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08-15-2019, 01:49 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cape Cod, MA
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Alternator to generator conversion
Presently I have one wire alternator in my ‘37 Tudor. It looks like crap in there. I bought a generator, had it converted to 12 V neg. ground. Am I right that can just swap the 2 out? No need to change any wiring? I will also be putting in a Fun Projects voltage regulator, but I know that is a separate subject,
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08-15-2019, 02:19 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
Depending on how it is currently wired there may be some changes required, but shouldn't be anything big. Just wire it back like the original Ford wiring. What is the alternator hot wire connected to now? They are often wired straight to the battery side of the starter solenoid, which would work with the generator. But IMO it would be better to connect it back (if it is not currently) to the fuse block. Both the battery connection from the starter solenoid and the generator should connect to the same terminal on the fuse block and the battery wire should loop through the ammeter on the way to the fuse block. That way you can monitor current flow to and from the battery, as it was designed originally.
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08-15-2019, 06:21 PM | #3 |
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Location: San Antonio, Texas
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
If the OEM wiring was set up for a 3-brush generator with a cut out on top then the 12-volt conversion would have to be set up the same way. A fun projects cut out looking solid state regulator could be used as long as that is the way it was set up. Whom ever set it up should be able to answer the question.
If it has ground, field, and armature terminals as a two brush generator then it would need a 3-pole 12-volt regulator like a 56 Ford would've had. |
08-15-2019, 06:52 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Payette, ID
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
i really dislike the look of a modern alternator on a flathead. I like the early 60's MOPAR
When somebody asks what it is I tell them an alternator off a 1960 Desoto. Then they really start scratching their head |
08-15-2019, 07:30 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 91
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
Whitney makes a alternator using the original generator housing.
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08-16-2019, 07:55 AM | #6 |
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
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08-16-2019, 09:00 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Solihull, England.
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
It depends on how much of the original wiring was changed when the alternator was fitted.
the generator needs an appropriate regulator. I use the 30/35A types that are for Fords from about 1960 or so. The original wiring diagram for the vehicle will show the correct connections for all the components. Mart. |
08-16-2019, 10:18 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Little Silver, New Jersey
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
I installed a one wire pos. ground alternator a number of years ago,the advantage was the alt. has an internal regulator and I didn't have to keep adjusting the third brush to match driving conditions.When Fun Products came out with the regulator I put my generator back on. I much prefer the look of a generator.Make sure the Fun Prod. unit is for 12 volt neg. ground.I don't see any wiring problems.You will find that getting the the regulator adjusted just right by moving the third brush takes a little patience.
Frank |
08-16-2019, 08:08 PM | #9 |
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Location: Bend, Oregon
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
Guess I'm behind the times I can't see any reason to change from the 6 volt positive ground generator to anything different. My truck starts and runs just fine just like it did when new in 1945.
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08-16-2019, 08:30 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
Depends on what you are doing with it equipment wise. It is much easier to add modern electrical/electronic devices to a 12v neg ground system. If you are keeping it totally stock keeping it 6v pos is the easiest.
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08-17-2019, 12:52 PM | #11 |
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Location: Wisconsin, USA
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
That's because your truck, like my vehicles was maintained and repaired correctly as required. 6v. positive ground works just fine.
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08-19-2019, 11:25 AM | #12 |
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Location: Cape Cod, MA
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Re: Alternator to generator conversion
Thanks for the responses. They will come in handy when I get the time to swap things out!
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