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]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

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.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

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

So, a generator just sitting on the bench will generate power all by itself?

That's amazing. I never knew that!

[marc hildebrant]

Converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is what the generator or alternator does.

Today's alternators are much better at converting energy than a generator.

However, I would prefer to use an original generator for the Model A as it's correct for the car.

Marc

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by CarlG

So, a generator just sitting on the bench will generate power all by itself?

That's amazing. I never knew that!

Yup, as long as you spin it ! Spin the pulley that is.

[jetrod]

Waste of time and money. And looks wrong.

[Purdy Swoft]

I prefer the generator for several reasons. The main reason that many use alternators is probably because they have the capability to put out more amps . For instance, if the brighest lights are needed, If you use a 60 amp alternator you can use the 55-60 W quartz halogen kit from Brattons that includes reflectors and can be perfectly focused. I used this setup on our 31 coupe when I used it for a daily driver. Sometimes I didn't leave the body shop untill late at night and brighter lights came in handy. This setup can be had in six or twelve volt.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If I thought I needed more amps than my stock generator puts out, then I'd install a later fan cooled generator. Most people would think it was original because it wouldn't look so out of place like an alternator.

For those who still want an alternator, look at the smaller alternator John Deere uses on their large lawn tractors. I think they would look better than the GM alternators.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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.

The Dog just threw this in the "DISH" for consideration, "Iffen' you got an alternatoror, there's probably LESS chance to have a DAID battery"
Bill W.

[maxandmickey]

thanks everyone,sounds like people like the generator more.i think I will try that voltage regulater in place of that cut out.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by maxandmickey

thanks everyone,sounds like people like the generator more.i think I will try that voltage regulater in place of that cut out.

To be fair there are three types of regulators out there.

Tom Wesenberg that posts here has one,
There is the one by fun products that is mentioned and a third one that replaced the cover strap by James Peterson
P.O. Box 912
Bend, Oregon 97709
541-389-0438 home

Here is info on the Peterson unit;

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/generator.htm

[Willie Krash]

Not to involve myself too much in pros and cons but from a practicable point an alternator is not current controlled. Never seen it. It will give whatever is demanded upon it with respect to engine speed, (no) belt slippage and voltage set point.

Most alts are temp compensated and as the units heat increases the VR voltage will ramp down (current will follow) to avoid boiling the battery.
The battery will determine the current, that and active loads.

Personally given how many miles most drive Model A's and little night time driving, a generator should suffice.

As well it is worth noting that (as least in modern cars) loose belts are far more injurious to bearings than tight belts.
IMHO

In the 10si new technology provides AC actuated VR's that turn on at ultra low speeds.

just some thoughts for those thinking alternator. I use a generator, but I drive less than a 1,000 miles a year in the A.

[Willie Krash]

I agree with Tom re the JD alternator. I do believe the pulley is correct too. Perhaps close enough.
I have a few on A's.

A 12190 is one of the units that can be used. 15mm ID pulley and one wire regulators are available.
15MM=.590
5/8=.6250 or 15.87MM

[stewwolfe]

I have an alternator in my roadster and a generator in my cabriolet. I like the look of the generator more than the alternator, but get concerned about touring with it. Last year on the MAFCA National Tour we had to run our lights during the day for two and a half days, due to inclement weather, and I don't know if a generator would have allowed me to do that. I think I'm going to put a VR on the cabriolet before we leave on a trip to the Model A Ford Museum next month (1,600 miles) and see how it works. I'll report on how it goes when we get back.