The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Alternator choice

I'm doing a nut-and-bolt on my '59 235 and currently have the rebuilt engine on the stand, putting all the bits and pieces back on.

I want to convert to an alternator, but not the chrome options the vendors carry. I've already purchased the bracket and done enough reading to know I want a 3-wire to preserve the dash warning light. When the time comes I'll need a complete harness - this thing sat in a field for years, plus much of it had already been ripped out - but for now I want to get an alternator attached.

After searching 10 pages of posts I don't see any list of standard auto parts store options that will work. Does anyone know of a year/make/model alternator that will bolt up and do the trick? I won't be adding anything beyond stock accessories - maybe a discreet stereo - so monster voltage isn't necessary.

thanks!

I would just go with a mid 60s GM alternator. Most all were the same 40-63 Amp with the only differences being how the housing is clocked. Easy to change. 65-67 Impala comes to mind.

A little newer would be easier and better. Before 1973 the GM alternators used an external regulator. Easy enough to install and wire, but one more part to have to install and wire.

Get gm alternator for 1973 through early 80s gm. A 75 Chevy 350 would be fine unless you are needing lots of amps. Easy to wire even with the three wires.

true....if you want to eliminate the external regulator.

Near the bottom of this Mad Electrical page is a list of alternators and what to tell the counter man.

Cletis, thank you! Excellent article.

For a 235 it seems I want a 12:00 or 9:00 position. If I decided to add AC should I go with a 12SI over a 10SI. And are all of these 3-wire?