The Ford Barn

Ken/Alabama · 04-02-2015, 08:18 PM

Isnt there someone who produces solid state voltage regulators ? I need the small square style like was used on the 39 Deluxe and early 40 Fords for my 39 Zephyr. Looks like this one.

Terry,OH · 04-03-2015, 05:38 AM

sent you a PM

KGS · 06-28-2019, 05:50 AM

Old thread but there seems to be a need for a solid state VR.

Had a discussion at the cruise night yesterday with a guy that
has gone through two "chinese built, not to be confused with
good old American built", voltage regulators. So the question;
is anyone making solid state components that can be installed
in an original VR case like Ken/Alabama is looking for in this post?
This would be specific for 6 volt positive ground applications for

our Fords.

tubman · 06-28-2019, 06:18 AM

My partner and I are making several 6 volt positive ground devices. So far, we have made a "black box" that allows you to run any 12 volt negative ground device (iPod, GPS, backup camera, etc.) on a 6 volt positive ground system. We also make a similar device that allows you to run a 12 volt negative ground tachometer on 6 volts positive ground, (a much more complicated task). If this looks like something that is needed, we could look into developing such a device (this is assuming that such a device of sufficient quality doesn't currently exist).

Frank Miller · 06-28-2019, 07:05 AM

There was aguy in NH I thhink his name was Bob Jeffers. He died a few years ago but I've been running one of his units in my 49 for 4 years now at least. One little glitch is that it occasionally stops charging at idle, which is normal but won't start charging again until I restart the car.

Rustynutz52 · 06-28-2019, 08:13 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

James Peterson did my 39 voltage regulator. I have run it for three years without a hitch. He did a super nice job. My car only has 50k on it so we did not re-plate it. Looks perfect!!

rotorwrench · 06-29-2019, 10:16 AM

I've used regulators from a company that makes bullet proof ones for the airplanes and helicopters. They are a small company and always seamed willing to take on projects and especially ones that may have a value to them in the power generation field. The company name is Zephtronics. The voltage controllers they make for the old Prestolite alternator design in 12 and 24 volts are the best units I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Put them on and forget about them. I haven't had one fail yet. Generators are a whole different animal compared to alternators but they aren't so different that they can share some design features. It certainly wouldn't hurt to call them and ask. They have always been friendly to me. https://www.zeftronics.com/

KGS · 06-30-2019, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

My partner and I are making several 6 volt positive ground devices. So far, we have made a "black box" that allows you to run any 12 volt negative ground device (iPod, GPS, backup camera, etc.) on a 6 volt positive ground system. We also make a similar device that allows you to run a 12 volt negative ground tachometer on 6 volts positive ground, (a much more complicated task). If this looks like something that is needed, we could look into developing such a device (this is assuming that such a device of sufficient quality doesn't currently exist).

Tub, Maybe this could be one of those "if you build it, they will come" moments.

flatheadmurre · 07-01-2019, 02:46 PM

Building a solid state regulator that would bolt right into the old housing isn´t to difficult...
The thing is you need a big diode to act as cutout..2 fairly sized power transistors and and enough heatsinking to make it last...that cost money...so does making it survive voltage spikes...
Could make them 6 or 12 v selectable by a jumper but only positive or negative ground...can´t switch that ( takes Positive or negative transistors in the setup)
An estimate is that a good unit buillt to last ends up at around $200...and there everyone goes and buys the cheap chines units...lol

supereal · 07-01-2019, 03:33 PM

The original voltage regulators operate by pulsing the points, except for the cutout relay. If you buy a good quality unit, it should last a very long time. Mine came from C&G years ago for about $50, One tip: Be sure your voltage regulator is properly grounded. Most good units have separate connection lug for that purpose. Others depended upon one of the mounting screws, which often do not make good contact, and many ended up in the trash for that reason, even though they were OK.

04-03-2015, 05:38 AM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,743	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator sent you a PM

06-28-2019, 05:50 AM	#3
KGS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Schooley's Mountain Posts: 530	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator Old thread but there seems to be a need for a solid state VR. Had a discussion at the cruise night yesterday with a guy that has gone through two "chinese built, not to be confused with good old American built", voltage regulators. So the question; is anyone making solid state components that can be installed in an original VR case like Ken/Alabama is looking for in this post? This would be specific for 6 volt positive ground applications for our Fords.

06-28-2019, 07:05 AM	#5
Frank Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn, MA Posts: 2,106	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator There was aguy in NH I thhink his name was Bob Jeffers. He died a few years ago but I've been running one of his units in my 49 for 4 years now at least. One little glitch is that it occasionally stops charging at idle, which is normal but won't start charging again until I restart the car. __________________ “The technique of infamy is to start two lies at once and get people arguing heatedly over which is true.” ~ Ezra Pound

06-28-2019, 08:13 PM	#6
Rustynutz52 Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Lake Wylie South Carolina Posts: 76	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) James Peterson did my 39 voltage regulator. I have run it for three years without a hitch. He did a super nice job. My car only has 50k on it so we did not re-plate it. Looks perfect!!

06-29-2019, 10:16 AM	#7
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,425	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator I've used regulators from a company that makes bullet proof ones for the airplanes and helicopters. They are a small company and always seamed willing to take on projects and especially ones that may have a value to them in the power generation field. The company name is Zephtronics. The voltage controllers they make for the old Prestolite alternator design in 12 and 24 volts are the best units I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Put them on and forget about them. I haven't had one fail yet. Generators are a whole different animal compared to alternators but they aren't so different that they can share some design features. It certainly wouldn't hurt to call them and ask. They have always been friendly to me. https://www.zeftronics.com/

07-01-2019, 02:46 PM	#9
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator Building a solid state regulator that would bolt right into the old housing isn´t to difficult... The thing is you need a big diode to act as cutout..2 fairly sized power transistors and and enough heatsinking to make it last...that cost money...so does making it survive voltage spikes... Could make them 6 or 12 v selectable by a jumper but only positive or negative ground...can´t switch that ( takes Positive or negative transistors in the setup) An estimate is that a good unit buillt to last ends up at around $200...and there everyone goes and buys the cheap chines units...lol

07-01-2019, 03:33 PM	#10
supereal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Re: Solid State Voltage Regulator The original voltage regulators operate by pulsing the points, except for the cutout relay. If you buy a good quality unit, it should last a very long time. Mine came from C&G years ago for about $50, One tip: Be sure your voltage regulator is properly grounded. Most good units have separate connection lug for that purpose. Others depended upon one of the mounting screws, which often do not make good contact, and many ended up in the trash for that reason, even though they were OK.