6 volt alternators conversion

[Blu Dice]

I've already read the posts in search, but I don't think there was anything about if you're able to hook up the original amp gauge to the alternator or not.
Anyway any new info on this conversion? I'm thinking of going with the kit from Mac's. Opinions???

[51504bat]

The amp gauge doesn't care if its 6 or 12 volts it just senses amps. I converted the 8ba in my '40 big truck and the amp meter worked just fine. Before you buy the kit unit from Mac's check out Quality Power in Yucaipa CA. They are a full service alternator, generator, starter shop and can answer all your questions. They ship orders over $200.00 for free and I found their prices better than Mac's.

www.qualitypowerauto.com
31510 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 794-1600

[Charlie Stephens]

Unless you have some unusual amperage requirements why not just have the generator rebuilt by a shop that knows how to rebuild them and not just fix the immediate problem and send them down the road?

Charlie Stephens

[Blu Dice]

I plan to add an after market radio at some point using a power booster, and I'm tired of the AMP drops at nite at the stop lights, etc. I would also like to add some fog lights and spot lights too. So ------

[supereal]

The diode trio in the alternator produces the DC just like a generator, so the stock ammeter is fine. When choosing an alternator, opt for the two wire type instead of the more common one wire kind. This turns on the alternator with the ignition, instead of having to high rev the engine to get the job done

[Planojc]

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Got my 6v from Macs and love it. I put a lot of miles on my 51 Ford and have much better lights and no more problems with my overdrive kicking in. I keep hearing comments about the single wire units not charging at idle, so who just sits in their car with it idling?

[supereal]

The main problem with alternators on old Fords is that flatheads are slow turning, compared with newer vehicles and don't rev the alternators fast enough to allow the residual magnetism to turn them on. If you look at modern vehicles you will see a large crank pulley and a small alternator pulley. To give mine a boost, I made a smaller pulley, but it requires a very tight belt that is hard on bushing type water pumps. That is why the two wire types are much more effective at slow speeds such as in traffic.

[koates]

superreal, I agree that the two wire alternator is the best unit, but it seems that it is only made in a 12 volt unit. I cant find a 6 volt two wire alternator, all are one wire type which is dictated by the voltage regulator design. Pos. ground also a requirement. What you say ? Regards, Kevin.

[don-wi]

I converted my 47 to an alternator last summer. I used the 1 wire unit, it also came with a smaller pulley on it. My car is still positive ground and I have it running through the original ammeter. I've been more than happy with it.

[Blu Dice]

Am I correct that once you install a one wire alternator to voltage regulator is no longer needed? If this is true how is the amp gauge going to work?

[mike42]

BluDice......

I had a 6V one wire alternator put on my '40 and it works perfect with amp gauge. No probs at all.

Mike

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by Blu Dice

Am I correct that once you install a one wire alternator to voltage regulator is no longer needed? If this is true how is the amp gauge going to work?

No regulator is needed on the one wire alternator. When I converted my '40 big truck to a one wire alternator I gutted the old regulator and used it as a junction box. Easy solution. As far as the having to rev the alternator to charge I never had an issue but I read somewhere (think it was here on the Barn) that you can change out a diode or something in the alternator to a marine part and it solves that issue but I may be mistaken with CRS and all.

[supereal]

The alternator has a built in regulator. The output is connected to the wire that was on the BAT terminal of the regulator. As for six and twelve volt two wire types, either can be adapted.

[mike42]

The guys are correct. Regulator is built into Alternator. It sure cleans things up I can tell you. Not correct if you're showing the car, but for function it's perfect.

Mike

[Blu Dice]

Mines not a show car, but a fun car to cruise in.
The conversion sounds like a real positive way to go.

[mike42]

Blu....I was so surprised at how many wires disappear and how clean it was under the hood !

Good luck.

[Johnnydidd]

Alternator are the way to go, my 53 Victoria has a 1 wire gm style alternator works great, when you start the engine it turns fast enough for the start charging, also I have the wire going through the ampmeter shows charge and discharge as it should. Best move I made.

[Chappy]

Newbie question, but do the alternators still mount the same way, does anyone have a picture of how it looks with the wiring cleaned up.

[mike42]

Chappy...send me your email address and I'll send you a couple photos. I can't get anything to upload on-site here. To answer your question...there is a bracket you can buy to install the alternator in the same spot. $ 60 I think. I did mine 3 years ago.

Mike

[Blu Dice]

Mac's has a nice kit with everything you need.