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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 319 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 319 | 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!
A VW guy trying his hand at a '59 LB fs. Lots to learn, but it's about the journey.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 | 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.
Last edited by txturbo; 09/14/2014 11:39 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,629 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,629 | 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. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 140 | true....if you want to eliminate the external regulator.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | Near the bottom of this Mad Electrical page is a list of alternators and what to tell the counter man. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 319 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 319 | 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?
A VW guy trying his hand at a '59 LB fs. Lots to learn, but it's about the journey.
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