my alternator that look like a generator
 

Thought I would post this as well

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Very nice/more original looking than my alternator:)!
If it weren't soo expensive, I'd have one! Mind telling us where you purchased yours?

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

What is the function of the cut out or is it a dummy??

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Yes the cut off is a dummy I am going to make a better one just havent found an original cut off yet. As far as the alternator it is a mini race alternator and I built the housing and used an original generator back but drilled the holes larger for air flow.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I might mention if you will take a close look at the front you can see just a little bit of the alternator I was going to cover it but was afraid it wouldnt cool enough.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Your conversion might be worth a "how to" write up for one of the Model A magazines.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I could not agree more!!

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Hi Al, the alternator can be purchased off of eBay they make them 40, 50, 80 ,100, amp all the same size just type in Mini alternator mine came from DB electrical , the generator cover I made in my fabrication shop you have do some cutting on the alternator Which will void the warranty and some welding on the back bracket, also had to build a new bracket to hold the housing and alternator. the only part of the generator is the back. by the way our trucks are the same color

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

So cool

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

My concern is the fan on the alternator pulls air through the alternator and blows it out of the front via the edges of the fan / impeller. It looks like your case covers most of the edge of the fan?

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

You can buy 'em here.
http://www.gener-nator.com/

(no affiliation)

John

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I wonder how much work it would take to put one in a powerhouse case. I might look into this further later this year. Rod

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I was thinking the same thing for those who want an alternator.:mad:

Send me your good powerhouse internals.:D

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Jeff's right. I love my alternator except when I have to raise the hood. It looks out of time and place.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I don't know, I've always liked the look of an alternator. When I see a generator the first thing that comes to mind is "limp"

:)

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

When I go to the lcl. car shows I only open the right side of the hood any way, so my alt. is out of site. The other reason I like to leave the left side closed is one show I went to last sunner some one pulled my oil dip stick out and when they put it back in they did not squeze the handle in and when I got home I had oil on the fire wall and around the dip stick hole.
To me the alt. is far better then the org. gen. jmo ;)

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Hi this unit has an internal fan and no obstructions from the front, I drilled out the back of the original generator cap for ample airflow.
Joe

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Hi It wont fit I made the case it is in.
Thanks
Joe

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I picked up a John Deere lawn tractor alternator at a swap meet. It's small and shaped like a powerhouse and puts out 40 amps. I don't recall the JD model it fits, but check ebay and you may see one. They're also black. You would have to change the pulley for the wider 5/8" belt.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I have one right here at my feet that I am looking at which has a 12v Hitachi alternator inside of it.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I feel the same way! I think this is a route worth going.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Looks like an opportunity for a new "cottage" industry??
Paul in CT

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Brent,any chance of pics of the Powerhouse/Hitachi?

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Hi AL, I don't have any other pictures of it off the truck but I can tell you I used 20 Gg sheet metal for the housing the back I used a strip of sheet metal and bent it in a brake the shrunk the eges till it was round and tig welded it in then tigged nuts inside to hold the generator back on. its quite a lot of work. I also welded up my 2" pulley and machined it so it would fit. if the Hitachi will fit the original housing I would go that route. I probably would have had I known. I do believe the Hitachi is about 300.00 if I am correct. also I believe it has an external fan that might cause issues??

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

Yeah but it looks just like any restored P/H generator so there is nothing to see. On the regular units, the only detection is on the band there is a 1" square hole cut to allow air to escape.

I realize some that have never seen, --nor used these units will be skeptical but here's the deal. They are very realiable for up to about 35 amps of continuous use before the housing becomes hot. Remember that the housing and the case are machined for a press-fit so the case becomes a huge heat-sink for the alternator's manufactured heat. An aftermarket scoop air deflector will take all the heat away at 35 amps where it runs cool but that is about going to be the limit. So here's the deal in my view, if you have an air conditioner compressor, a downdraft carb., an aftermarket cyl. head, an electric fan, yada-yada on your Model A engine, the look of the modern alternator does not look anymore 'out of place' than the rest of this stuff. Therefore, whats the use of going to the trouble or expense of this type unit?

The benefit of the hidden alternator IMHO is for someone who has a very stock-appearing restoration that has taken re-silvered original reflectors and mounted halogens in place of the incandescent bulbs for additional lumens. For continuous night-time driving with plenty of lighting will require an output of around 20 amps which can be a little stressful on a stock generator for prolonged periods. I put this item in the same category as someone who installs a Mitchell synchro-ed transmission. Like having the cake and eating it too, ...and not everyone likes looking at their cake.

.

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I would like to know how many have tested their alternator for output on their car, just because it is a "40", "60"etc amp alternator doesn't mean that it will have that output after it warms up, or that the drive system can transmit enough horsepower to make that amount of amps --many of the alternator installations I have seen would be hard pressed to make as much as the original generator due to the small belt contact area of the needed small pulley, for many years I used 50cp bulbs, and had to crank up the generator to 18+ amps to make them bright, now I have Halogen bulbs --15 amps is enough to have a + charge with the lights on, and I can see better, as for "stressing the generator", it has worked for 40 years , I see very little mentioned about any wiring changes when an alternator is used, if the alternators actually made the 40-60 amps i would think there would be many reports of the 20 amp wiring burning up.

Does anyone have a good picture of the high output police, and bus generators for the A, and B engines?

Re: my alternator that look like a generator
 

I think one of the benefits of running a modern alternator is the fact that I have a regulator plus the extra power I am running halogen headlights I have a hidden power source for GPS or what ever I want. I will be installing a secret radio that you wont even see at all, not speakers or the control panel. You see I believe you can have your cake and eat it too.. with a little ingenuity and my alternator doesn't even get hot matter of fact its always cooler than the motor by far.
Thanks
Joe