Alternators also tend to put out more amps than a generator and use less power to operate. But, a generator will charge a completely dead battery, an alternator will not. Also, a generator will produce electricity w/o any power from a battery. An alternator does require power from a battery to exite the regulator and feilds.
If you want to keep original, and aren't planning on putting on extra electrical components like a stereo or electronic engine controls that will require more amperage, the generator will be just fine. Just give it a freshening up with new bearings, brushes, perhaps have the armature contacts machined true, and a new regulator if necessary. It'll work just fine.
