The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks External Regulator versus Internal Regulator Alternator

I am restoring a 1965 C10 with a 283 and I am trying to keep it as original as possible. It currently has the original alternator with an external regulator. One addition I plan to make is adding an aftermarket air conditioning system and I am wondering if the original alternator has enough power or if I should install a newer alternator with an internal regulator more amperage. Any suggestions, pros or cons? Has anyone used one of the alternator harnesses for early-to-late conversions? Any information is welcomed.

I think most of the early alternators were 35 amp, i would want
atleast a 70 amp alt. the harness conversions are just a jumper
wire at the voltage regulator, should be fine.

There was once an aftermarket stator assembly for the external-regulator alternator that dramatically increased the amperage output, up to 100 amps, IIRC. It's actually 3 separate sets of windings on the same size stator frame as original. I used to install them 20-something years ago. If there's a rebuilding shop in your area with an old geezer who has been around the business awhile, he will probably know if those stators are still available.
Jerry

Bargy1, I have a '65-'66 C10. It is now my only vehicle. And soon I will be living some tens of miles from the closest repair shop. When it comes to the alternator, I am not concerned about keeping anything original. For me, it has to be a new alternator. Brand, spanking new. No rebuild from China and no rebuild with Chinese parts. (If there were a rebuild shop where I knew the people and the parts they use, I might change my mind. Until then, no remanufactured alternator.) And it matters not that they give you a lifetime warranty. All that means is that you will spend your lifetime swapping the alternator under warranty. You will not get reimbursed for the motel bills when the reman alternator strands you in the middle of nowhere. So, go with a sparkling new alternator, 100 amps, 3 wire, internal reg., good cable, and you will be a happy man. -Alden

So what makes you think the "Brand, spanking new" alternator isn't made by china-men?

more likely China-women or children but as likely, by Mexicans

I haven't had any problems with reman alternators, AC_Delco and Bosch, both OE suppliers, have facilities all over the world, and Wilson is a very old US company that also has dependable remans

Bill

Rebuilding engine parts has become a cottage industry in many places around the world, be it China or Mexico or Indonesia, etc. It is not like years ago when the part would most likely be rebuilt locally, here in the US, at a shop that you could visit. Years ago, you did not hear of guys repeatedly exchanging their rebuilt part. Years ago, you did not hear of guys finding pure junk parts inside of the rebuilt part. Rebuilt parts are a huge industry today -and it is an industry that has largely left the US for the same reasons that many other jobs have left. Of course there are still some rebuild shops left in the US -but you have to find them. You have to be aware of the issue and you really need to ask about the pedigree of the parts you are taking. And, of course, there are some off-shore rebuilds that turn out ok. But in general, you need to know the track record of the rebuild shop or the brand. If you must go with a rebuild, do your research. The goal is to reduce the risk of needing another replacement. The warranty is fine as far as that goes, but you do not want to have to need the warranty. It is a sad fact that if something is rebuilt in China or Vietnam, it is not going to be of the same quality as something rebuilt in the USA or Japan. Nowadays, there are companies that used to have good reputations and they are riding those reputations while moving offshore. So the list constantly shrinks. And it is getting harder and harder to find a rebuild anything in which you can have confidence. Money is the name of the game these days and product quality has become a function of just how much money stockholders have to earn. An alternator is one example of a part that you should not save money on if your truck is your only vehicle. That is my opinion. Yes, it is a bias. All opinions are biased. Let the Lord judge me when the time comes.

Bill, AC Delco and Bosch have better reputations than many others. But I think I have heard that Bosch has gone to Asia for a lot of rebuild work, but right now I cannot recall exactly what I read about it. My point is simply that I, personally, will not put a rebuilt alternator in my truck that was rebuilt in China, Vietnam, etc. And if a shop tells me that they do not know where the alternator is rebuilt, I will not take it, no matter what warranty comes with it. -Alden

Since virtually all the components of any electric/electronic part, automotive or otherwise, are manufactured in some 3rd. world country, why does it matter where it was assembled? I've been rebuilding automotive electrical components since the mid-1960's, and I defy anyone to find a totally "made in the USA" electrical component on any vehicle, new or used.

Alden, your prejudice is obvious- - - -it must be a huge strain, carrying all that burden around all the time. Better you than the rest of us, if somebody's got to do it.
Jerry

Jerry, you missed my point. In any event, I would not hesitate to take a rebuilt alternator if I knew you were the one that rebuilt it. Otherwise, I am going with brand, spanking, new. -Alden

Your point is very clear. I grew up in Nashville Tennessee in the 1950's. The bigots had a different target back then.
Jerry

Jerry, there is really no need to get so grouchy with me. I did not intend any ill will in urging that one go with a reputable alternator and steer clear of Chinese stuff, etc. I am well aware of your exceedingly extensive knowledge and experience and the help you give countless guys on this forum. And I can appreciate the time and effort you have given with 10,000 posts. Most of what I know about my truck I know because of the generosity of guys like you. There is no doubt in my mind that I will never come close to knowing as much as you have long forgotten. That is why when you speak, I listen. And the following are your very own words:

#1023567 - 22/04/14 03:58 PM
"I'd strongly recommend installing an original-equipment Delco regulator, even if it's a good-condition used item rather than using a Chinese-made aftermarket item. They've got a huge failure rate right off the shelf and/or a very short useful lifespan. Ebay has plenty of OEM regulators available, and the cost isn't bad if you do some careful shopping.
Jerry
_________________________
A man's rights rest in three boxes, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box."

Calling me "a bigot" because of my opinion that one avoid Chinese electrical or mechanical devices, and drawing an analogy between that and what you may have witnessed while growing up in Nashville, Tennessee in the fifties, is absurd -and does not suit your curriculum vitae.

I will let you have the last word without any reply from me. The thread has lost its fun already.
-Alden

Ok then, Im hungry, anyone up for Chinese? you buy, I'll fly.

I'll get some beer too!

I got an autozoid cheepo rebuilt 12si. Prolly an offshore. Who cares.... 25K miles, daily driven. $30 I seem to recall. Perfect. Craps out today I'll go buy another. 10 minute swap. For that price, I wouldn't even crack it open to install a rebuild kit.

NeedsTires, Sure, I can see the validity of your rationale. But speaking for myself and my own needs in a sole-vehicle/daily-driver, breaking down in city traffic when I have to get somewhere, maybe with passenger(s) in the truck, maybe in the rain, maybe in freezing temps, maybe in the middle of the night, makes for a hard day. And I can't swap anything in 10 minutes or even 30 minutes. Certainly not while I am blocking traffic, getting 'the finger' instead of a thumbs-up, and ruining a good pair of trousers, and the lady asking "is it done yet?" every 5 minutes. Rebuilds certainly have their place. The market proves that. But some of us just can't take advantage of a $30 alternator, $5 regulator, $50 carburetor, etc. If one is going to actually use a vintage or classic vehicle, it is entirely reasonable that one try to reduce risk of breakdown. Owning a vintage truck is not an economic joy. For that, I would get a Toyota Corolla. -Alden

I have a simple approach. I recognize its nigh onto 50 years old. Offshore part or not, fix within the budget, know the systems well enough to recognize trouble signs, drive daily, conduct Preventive maintenance and expect an occasonal breakdown. Carry AAA card and have good insurance and a cell. No combination american made parts will gaurentee modern new car reliability in a vehicle that is essentially old tech. Part of the joy and challenge is the risk and your ability to control it to minimal negativity. If it fails it fails and we tow and fix only to drive again the next day.