generator

[maxandmickey]

Has anybody converted their generator with a alternator? Is it more reliable.thinking about doing this.need expert advice.thanks

[JohnLaVoy]

An alternator is a good move I have both 6 & 12 volt versions.

[31Abone]

Alternators look stupid ..generators work just fine !

[Patrick L.]

An alternator on an 'A' just ain't right ! Thats my story and I'll stick to it for now.

[Kevin in NJ]

Take some time to look up how much HP it takes to get a given output current. Then look up what diameter pulley is required to get that HP tranfered into the alt.

Then consider the directions for how to tighten an alternator pulley, got any old Mustang shop manuals laying around?

The short answer is the alternator pulley is not large enough to tranfer enough energy to begin to generate the full output of the alt. Throw in that the belt is supposed to be super tight to work and you have a small fraction of possible energy coming out of the alt. The gen puts out like 20 amps and the I think you can do that with the alt though in theory the alt can put out some more until it gets warm and then drops to half the rated output (look up alt specs they are very clear about this). So an 80 amp alt can only put out 80 until warm and it will drop off to 40 at best.

Then do a search on just how reliable the alt is. You will find more people having problems with their alternators and the guys with properly rebuilt generators never have any problems decades later so long as they oil them regularly.

If want to not worry about anything for the next 50 or so years, put on a generator. If you want to go one step further throw in a regulator.
If you dont mind fixing the alt once in a while and be under the dream it is more reliable then put on an alt.

I will add one note. If you add on AC to your A then you must have an alt, but then they change the belt drive system so the alt will be able to put out.

[BlueSunoco]

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Originally Posted by Patrick L.

An alternator on an 'A' just ain't right ! Thats my story and I'll stick to it for now.

Amen. A stock generator, restored correctly w/ Tom Wesemberg's EVR included, will work fine and out live any of us here on FB.

If you're a-wantin' 2014 driveability buy a new, 2014 car and leave your 'A' for fun driving

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by maxandmickey

Has anybody converted their generator with a alternator? Is it more reliable.thinking about doing this.need expert advice.thanks

I may be missing something but I don't understand the question. Do you mean replace the generator with an alternator or do you mean you want to stuff an alternator inside of the generator case?

Charlie Stephens

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by maxandmickey

Has anybody converted their generator with a alternator? Is it more reliable.thinking about doing this.need expert advice.thanks

If you are asking...can a generator be constructed to work as a alternator, but still look like a generator, the answer is yes. I met a gentleman yesterday, at a swap meet , who does these conversions..6V and 12V.

[Will N]

I know of two websites that sell generator that have been converted to alternators so that you can maintain that original look. They aint cheap. I agree with many posters above, a generator worked just fine in the day, and unless you've accessorized your A with things like halogen lights, there really is no need for an alternator.

http://gener-nator.com/orders.htm


http://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I, personally, like the 6 volt alternator, as you ALWAYS have a fully charged battery & nice bright lights!
Once, in Minerva, with a 6 year old battery, I ran out of gas, 1/2 block from home. I cranked it in low, then second, then high, after that BIG flywheel picked up momentum, the starter just "loafed" along & we whizzed right up into the garage. Starter wasn't even overly warm. That's just one advantage to ALWAYS having a FULLY charged battery!
I will leave Vermin stock, he has a new Optima battery & I'll probably add a "FUN-PROJECTS" cutout/regulator & see how it goes.
Bill W.

[Al 29Tudor]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

Amen. A stock generator, restored correctly w/ Tom Wesemberg's EVR included, will work fine and out live any of us here on FB.

If you're a-wantin' 2014 driveability buy a new, 2014 car and leave your 'A' for fun driving

I'm running a 6V pos. ground alternator. Just rebuilt my generator because I want the car to look original. The only thing changed are all the light bulbs which are now the higher c. p. Will the generator keep the battery fully charged? And what is Tom Wesenberg's EVR?
Thanks.
Al

[Patrick L.]

The generator should handle 32/50 CP bulbs and I use one of Tom's EVRs.[ Electronic Voltage Regulator]

[Al 29Tudor]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

The generator should handle 32/50 CP bulbs and I use one of Tom's EVRs.[ Electronic Voltage Regulator]

Is that EVR mounted internal to the generator or in the cutout can on top?
Thanks.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Al 29Tudor

Is that EVR mounted internal to the generator or in the cutout can on top?
Thanks.

Tom's EVR is internal [ mounts to rear cover/plate] and uses a normal preferably original cutout. And, most importantly, it works.

[Al 29Tudor]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Tom's EVR is internal [ mounts to rear cover/plate] and uses a normal preferably original cutout. And, most importantly, it works.

Thank you Patrick.

[rocket1]

If it ever happens,you can't push start a vehicle with a dead battery if it has an alternator,with a generator you can.

[Al 29Tudor]

Originally Posted by rocket1

If it ever happens,you can't push start a vehicle with a dead battery if it has an alternator,with a generator you can.

Interesting. Is that because the engine has to turnover faster to bring the alternator on line?

[Purdy Swoft]

I use the Fun Projects can style voltage regulator. It mounts in place of the cutout, looks like the cutout but gives voltage regulation . Nothing internal is needed, just mount it in place of the cutout. These can be had in 6,8 and 12 volt versions and require no modifications to the generator and the old cutout is no longer needed.. Try www.funprojects.com I've used both the 6 and 12 volt versions and never had a problem of any kind. These will work with the 35w halogen bulbs that fit the original headlight sockets.

[Al 29Tudor]

Thank you Purdy. Very concise instructions also.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Al 29Tudor

Interesting. Is that because the engine has to turnover faster to bring the alternator on line?

An alternator requires power to generate power, a generator doesn't.