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08-12-2020, 04:35 PM | #1 |
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Electronic Voltage Regulator
I recently installed a 12v generator and I'm in the process of converting everything to 12v neg gr.
I don't want a voltage regulator on my '35 firewall, and currently I have a 6v one mounted inside on the wall. I always liked the look of the original cutout, and might consider this electronic one that's available. Does anyone know how well they work and if they're dependable long-term? |
08-12-2020, 05:02 PM | #2 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
If it is the FunProjects I think they have been out of stock for a while now and may not be currently produced. (as in the company is not making them anymore) They were considered a good product.
Just checked, their site still shows them, but list them as "backordered". And again, I believe they have been on backorder for sometime. http://funprojects.com/products/10505v.aspx Last edited by JSeery; 08-12-2020 at 05:08 PM. |
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08-12-2020, 07:47 PM | #3 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
I installed one about 5 years ago. It works exactly as advertised as long as you install it per the instructions.
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08-14-2020, 06:11 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
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08-12-2020, 07:44 PM | #5 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
The Fun Project voltage reg was intended for the early 3 brush generators that were made up till 1939. They were much better than the original cutouts. They could be bought for converting these 6v generators to 12 v, but the amps output had to be lowered by the 3rd brush to around 9 amp maximum, if i remember right. And you could buy them for neg ground. Worked well for me, as i didn't have any radio or heater that would increase needed amperage. Terry
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08-12-2020, 07:54 PM | #6 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
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Never had a problem with one. They worked as advertised. |
08-14-2020, 01:02 PM | #7 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Thanks for the history. So this, being 12v, would be used on cars which had 3 brush generators that had the fields and arm converted to 12v? Was that a popular mod?
Years back my '35 had the original 3 brush, but after cutout issues I converted to a later 2 brush generator from '40, using a '38 standard sheave to keep my fan in the original location. Recently I've swapped out a post '55 12v unit by changing the front cover. So I guess I need to stick with the 3 wire voltage regulator but a 12 volt model. Most that I see are mechanical, and I was interested in a solid state unit since I'm hiding this under the dash. I've looked at some Bosch units in service on VWs but I know there is an issue when the field is internally grounded as the Ford's are. Is anyone using any currently oem mass produced ss regulators, and if so, what's their performance? |
08-14-2020, 01:22 PM | #8 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
After experiencing serious over voltage problems in my '67 Corvette and running through several defective VR's, I switched to a solid state unit. (I think it was an Echlin from NAPA.) It was small enough to install in the stock Delco case, so it is undetectable from an original. That was about 6 years ago and I have not had a problem since.
I can dig the number up if you need it. |
08-17-2020, 06:51 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
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08-14-2020, 02:03 PM | #10 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Possibly an unpopular opinion, but if you are going to 12v negative ground, and don't want an external voltage regulator on the firewall, than go with a powermaster or even better an EJ Whitney alternator/generator that will just hook up with one wire and retain the generator look.
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08-16-2020, 09:45 PM | #11 | ||
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
A lot of interesting experiences and opinions. Thanks.
Quote:
As for the EJ Whitney alternator/generator, what do they cost? No prices on their website, so it's probably high. I can tell you I have 50 bucks wrapped up in the rebuilt '56 genny and a couple hours swapping out the front cover and trimming the mount ear off the back and sanding and buffing it out. Quote:
Last edited by TFB; 08-16-2020 at 09:55 PM. |
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08-17-2020, 09:40 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
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08-17-2020, 10:34 AM | #13 | |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Quote:
Each one is custom built using your generator (I think you can purchase a core for them if need be). There is often a lot of talk on the Barn here about quality and US make parts, but when someone provides both there is a complaint about wanting mass-produced China pricing! These units are custom built to your specifications using original Ford parts and built in the US. |
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08-14-2020, 05:23 PM | #14 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
I am going with a 3 brush generator conversion on my 36. Was having trouble overheating with it until i went with a Bosch electronic volt. reg for 68-94 VW's. It solved my problem. No matter how fast i go, it shuts down the charging at 13.7 volts. Instructions were only in Spanish (it's made in mexico) but a U tube video helped me with where to put the wires. Terry I have it under the dash.
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08-14-2020, 07:51 PM | #15 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
TFB, I reread your 2nd post and no, the 6v generator was not converted. A 6v generator can put out 12v but you have to be careful. They tell you in the Fun Project VR for 12 volts that you must limit the amps (about 9) or you'll burn out the generator. This isn't good if you have a lot of things in your car that require electricity...radio, heater fan, etc. It worked for me even driving at night. But that is about all I ever used that was requiring extra amps. Terry
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08-16-2020, 11:07 PM | #16 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Comparing 6 & 12 volt generators, the field coils and also the armature windings are a different gauge wire. The 6 volt windings are a heavier or thicker gauge wire. Regards, Kevin.
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08-17-2020, 10:59 AM | #17 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Is there such a thing as a solid state, positive ground, 6 volt, voltage regulator?
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08-17-2020, 11:16 AM | #18 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
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08-17-2020, 11:44 AM | #19 | |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
Quote:
I have experienced the same phenomenon with my 6 V positive ground Tach Drivers. I got into making them because it seems that on just about every applicable old car board, people were clamoring for such a device. We figured out how to do it (which was more difficult than we originally thought) and made a prototype, and then a pre-production run of 10. This sold out rather quickly at a break-even price, so we made another 20, and they have been just sitting. I sell one about every 3 or 4 months to someone who wants to put the finishing touch on his completed vehicle, but it is just not practical for us to continue making them. We have most of the required components in stock, and when the remaining stock is depleted, will be offering them on a one by one basis for about twice the price of the current offerings. What "JSeery" said about "There is often a lot of talk on the Barn here about quality and US ma(d)e parts, but when someone provides both there is a complaint about wanting mass-produced China pricing!" is absolutely true in my experience. |
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08-17-2020, 07:53 PM | #20 |
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Re: Electronic Voltage Regulator
You can use a Wells VR-715 or an Echlin VR-142; the Wells is quite a bit cheaper. Lately, this product has been released. I have read some good things about it : https://www.zip-corvette.com/63-68-v...onversion.html
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