The Ford Barn

warrene · 07-05-2021, 06:54 PM

Years ago, I had a big tube radio under the dash, also a heater in the rear floor of my '30 tudor, 50 cp headlamps ... the Model A generator simply did not do, I bought a used '40 V8 generator & regulator, made brackets, welded them on, mounted it same as any A gen'. This worked great, 30 amps of power, all was well.
This time I used a '38 Ford generator, removed the third brush, wired it internally as the later Ford 2-brush, the Ford 8N tractor regulator doesn't match perfect but works OK. This requires a second (ARM) insulated connection, works best drilled and put in the rear end. I use the usual top connector for the FLD wire, to that regulator terminal.

Some would say, use an alternator and 12v. I never change a car's electrical system, the alternator on a Model A looks like a fish out of water, looks terrible. I mounted a cutout on top of the gen', just for show and fools most people, it's more fun to stay 'stock', if you can. I'm an engineer, that helps a lot but anyone can do these things, common sense goes a long way.
Some may not agree but that's fine, it's America, where we can do as we like.

Patrick L. · 07-05-2021, 08:16 PM

it's America, where we can do as we like.
end quote

Yep, we're still a semi-free country. Its nice to be able stuff like that that we want to do.

Doug Linden · 07-05-2021, 08:30 PM

An alternative is the alternator that looks like a Model A generator. Speedway and other suppliers carry them.

Badpuppy · 07-06-2021, 08:47 AM

Tractor regulators usually set for about 11 amps. Find one for a 60's car (any make). They'll likely be set higher.

katy · 07-06-2021, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Tractor regulators usually set for about 11 amps. Find one for a 60's car (any make). They'll likely be set higher.

Which 60's cars used 6 volt?

Y-Blockhead · 07-06-2021, 03:46 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Which 60's cars used 6 volt?

I believe VW was still using 6v in the early sixties...

CWPASADENA · 07-06-2021, 10:17 PM

warrene,

I agree with you. I am still running a 6V system and a Model A generator converted to a 2 brush with an internal voltage regulator. I have this on 2 of my Model A's. The batteries are always fully charged and everything looks original under the hood. One of my cars I use for tours and after many thousands of miles, I have never had an electrical system problem.

I, like you, the appearance of an alternator under the hood is not what I want my Model A's to look like. I doen't even like to use the alternators that look like a generator. You have to run the fan belt so tight to get them to work that it is very hard on the water pump bearings and the fan pulley.

On my 34 Pick up with a V-8 engine, I use a later 2 brush generator, I think it may be a '38, with a regulator. It has been this way for the 57 years I have had it. I would not even think of putting an alternator on it.

There is no reason that an old Ford should not still look like an old Ford under the hood without a lot of "modern" stuff on the engine.

My opinion,

Chris W.

Badpuppy · 07-07-2021, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Which 60's cars used 6 volt?

Oops, forgot about 6V. But Y-B mentions VW, and a few other Europeans, I believe. But they may be light on the current limiting too.

nkaminar · 07-07-2021, 08:33 AM

Back in the day, it was common to use a voltage regulator on a Model A generator, hidden from view. The current to the field windings were supplied by the voltage regulator instead of the third brush. Only clue was the extra wire running to the generator.

Badpuppy · 07-07-2021, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Back in the day, it was common to use a voltage regulator on a Model A generator, hidden from view. The current to the field windings were supplied by the voltage regulator instead of the third brush. Only clue was the extra wire running to the generator.

Curious how the extra wire got through the case - drill and add a field post?

07-05-2021, 06:54 PM	#1
warrene Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Milaca, MN Posts: 30	Lack of 6v power Years ago, I had a big tube radio under the dash, also a heater in the rear floor of my '30 tudor, 50 cp headlamps ... the Model A generator simply did not do, I bought a used '40 V8 generator & regulator, made brackets, welded them on, mounted it same as any A gen'. This worked great, 30 amps of power, all was well. This time I used a '38 Ford generator, removed the third brush, wired it internally as the later Ford 2-brush, the Ford 8N tractor regulator doesn't match perfect but works OK. This requires a second (ARM) insulated connection, works best drilled and put in the rear end. I use the usual top connector for the FLD wire, to that regulator terminal. Some would say, use an alternator and 12v. I never change a car's electrical system, the alternator on a Model A looks like a fish out of water, looks terrible. I mounted a cutout on top of the gen', just for show and fools most people, it's more fun to stay 'stock', if you can. I'm an engineer, that helps a lot but anyone can do these things, common sense goes a long way. Some may not agree but that's fine, it's America, where we can do as we like.

07-05-2021, 08:16 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Lack of 6v power it's America, where we can do as we like. end quote Yep, we're still a semi-free country. Its nice to be able stuff like that that we want to do.

07-05-2021, 08:30 PM	#3
Doug Linden Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 259	Re: Lack of 6v power An alternative is the alternator that looks like a Model A generator. Speedway and other suppliers carry them.

07-06-2021, 08:47 AM	#4
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,144	Re: Lack of 6v power Tractor regulators usually set for about 11 amps. Find one for a 60's car (any make). They'll likely be set higher.

07-06-2021, 10:17 PM	#7
CWPASADENA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: PASADENA, CA Posts: 1,884	Re: Lack of 6v power warrene, I agree with you. I am still running a 6V system and a Model A generator converted to a 2 brush with an internal voltage regulator. I have this on 2 of my Model A's. The batteries are always fully charged and everything looks original under the hood. One of my cars I use for tours and after many thousands of miles, I have never had an electrical system problem. I, like you, the appearance of an alternator under the hood is not what I want my Model A's to look like. I doen't even like to use the alternators that look like a generator. You have to run the fan belt so tight to get them to work that it is very hard on the water pump bearings and the fan pulley. On my 34 Pick up with a V-8 engine, I use a later 2 brush generator, I think it may be a '38, with a regulator. It has been this way for the 57 years I have had it. I would not even think of putting an alternator on it. There is no reason that an old Ford should not still look like an old Ford under the hood without a lot of "modern" stuff on the engine. My opinion, Chris W.

07-07-2021, 08:33 AM	#9
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Lack of 6v power Back in the day, it was common to use a voltage regulator on a Model A generator, hidden from view. The current to the field windings were supplied by the voltage regulator instead of the third brush. Only clue was the extra wire running to the generator. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.