37 generator conversion to 12V

[mark180]

I have a 37 Tudor that had been converted to 12V. It had a really annoying whistle coming from the alternator. The guys at the local auto electric shop said it was from the alternator fan pulling air forward and the main engine fan pushing air back. When I took the fan off, no more whistle. I got a smaller pulley yo put on the alternator, and again, no whistle. Now the problem is that the fan has a really annoying roar to it. I'm fed up and want to switch back to a generator.

I picked one up from a local V8 guy with a HUGE collection of parts. I took it up to see if I could get it changed over to 12V. It seems it is a little more involved than I thought and he can't do all the changes at his shop. Do you guys have any suggestions of where to get this work done?

[JSeery]

It is not that difficult to do, so my guess would be that the shop doesn't know how to do it or doesn't want to mess with it. There have been several threads posted on all the details, try a search. You can just get the 12v out of the generator with a 12v voltage regulator (if your generator uses a voltage regulator). But, this will be at a lower total amperage. You can also change out parts with later Ford 12v generators. I have also seen a number of articles online on these conversions, so search both the Barn and online.

[lonewolf]

What about the powermaster one wire alt that looks like a generator

[JSeery]

There are several ways to go on the alternator in a generator housing, I like Whitney.

Whitney Co., Inc., E. J. 529 S. Raymond Ave., Fullerton, Ca 714-773-1611

[Kahuna]

I think J has it correct.
As I recall, all that's needed are the field coils from a 12 volt generator installed in your existing 6 volt generator.
I think?

[51504bat]

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Originally Posted by JSeery

There are several ways to go on the alternator in a generator housing, I like Whitney.

Whitney Co., Inc., E. J. 529 S. Raymond Ave., Fullerton, Ca 714-773-1611

When I checked out the Whitney alternator conversions they were real pricey. IMO

[flatheadmurre]

I usually take a falcon(or smilar) generator and convert them that way.
You can use the fields and house straight off.
There are fields and relays for sale not to high priced.
Its all down to if you want to add powerhungry addons or not.
Running the car stock generator works good.
Adding stereo A/C and powergizmos not so good...

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

When I checked out the Whitney alternator conversions they were real pricey. IMO

Yep, but really nice! You have to pay for quality, but there are cheaper options.

[john in illinois]

I went with the Whitney conversion because I could use a generator with bearings designed for a fan.

John

[FlatheadTed]

If the replacement generator is a 6V 3 brush ,then fun projects has a regulator that will allow you to charge a 12 volt .its a 5min screw on deal Ted

[flatheadmurre]

Any regulator for 12volt can make that happen....
Just adjust the reglator for max charging amps and output voltage.
The output power of a motor/generator is constant if you raise the voltage you loose amps...

[mark180]

Thanks guys! At the shop they said that you had to change out the Felix cos and the armature, so you would need a new end plate, because the 12v one is a different diameter. I just thought I'd pass it by wiser minds than mine, since I'm new to all this.

[JSeery]

What they are saying (maybe) is that new guts are required for the same or increased amperage. They are not required if you can get by with decreased amps output.

[Ralph Moore]

In running a converted generator in my AV8, all I did was swap the field coils and change to a 12V regulator.
Only runs higher amps when reved up, but I don't have a lot of accessories either.

[mark180]

How are the C & G rebuilds?

[37 Cab]

Could you use a plate over the front of the fan similar to the type seen on later GM cars or aftermarket powermaster alternators?

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...-810350_ml.jpg

[COE Dan]

I couldn't stand the GM alternator someone installed in my COE and decided immediately to revert back to a generator but keep the 12V conversion.

I bought a correct, 1947 12V-converted generator from Bill Jungck of PMX Custom Alternators and Starters in Oregon. The price was very reasonable and at the time he had USA-made regulators to go with it. I've had the generator on the truck for over 8 years and have no problems.

The website has all the contact info: www.pmxalternators.com

No endorsement intended - just a satisfied customer review and a place to check out if you in the market.

Dan