Generator info

[mcgarrett]

Brotherhood of the "Barn",
Digging through my parts pile, I came across this generator and noticed the charging post is in a different location than other generators I have. As the photo shows, it's at the rear of housing instead of the front. So what's the story on it? I assume it will interchange with other Model A generators? What say ye?

[Mike Peters]

The generator in your photo is the later L2 version of the long generator, used from March 1930 to end of production. Your other generators with the more forward mounted output terminal are likely the L1 versions used from Oct. 1928 to Mar. 1930.

[Mike Peters]

Oh yeah, they are all interchangeable.

[mcgarrett]

Mike,
Many thanks for the response. Didn't know about the differences in generators. I've learned something new...again!!

[Badpuppy]

Earlier ones are called "long nose" and have bearings front and rear. Later "short nose" have a bushing in the back. Take the pulleys off, you get where the terms come from.

[mcgarrett]

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I think the cutout is the wrong one or it has suffered some trauma- it's cocked at an angle and doesn't look like it sits right to me. I'll swap with some others I have and see if that corrects the problem.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

I think the cutout is the wrong one or it has suffered some trauma- it's cocked at an angle and doesn't look like it sits right to me. I'll swap with some others I have and see if that corrects the problem.

It's clearly a post-Model-A cutout, you can tell from the closed feet. The angle appears to be due to the poor fit of the generator cutout clip to the post. Likely to be also the wrong clip.

Also you've got that wire coming out of the case, which makes me think maybe this is a '32 generator? Would need pics of either end to tell.

[rotorwrench]

Cut outs were made clear up into the 50s & 60s due to the Ford tractors using them so long. The ones used on automobiles (open foot types)were also available for many years but Ford went to 2-brush generators in 1939 so there was likely a 10-year period or longer that Ford had them for service parts. I'm sure they out sourced them to subcontractors that made aftermarket parts as well.

[ndnchf]

Just for reference, here are some original Ford cutouts that I've refurbished.

[mcgarrett]

Thanks again for helping us keep our Model A's alive and well!