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| | | Forums66 Topics128,087 Posts1,055,985 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 | I am just about to assemble a 216. i want to make it 12 volts and use an alternator. This means i need to make sure all the pulleys are the same width. Can I use a 235 harmonic balancer or is there an option to use a different pulley on the alternator?
I am sure this is a simple fix, just one I haven't heard of yet.
1946 1-ton Panel 1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Wait to see if someone corrects this information.
What width fan belt do you need?
If it is 3/8", you could use any 1953 and later Chevrolet 235/261 6-cylinder 3/8" harmonic balancer.
Earlier 235 balancers would use the same fan belt width as your 216 (about 1/2" to 5/8"?).
Also, I think same car balancer/pulley diameters were smaller/different than on a truck. This would probably not be a problem for your truck/alternator. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 | The old balancer is 1/2". So is the water pump. I have another pump with a 3/8 and can make the change easily.
1946 1-ton Panel 1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 | Generator and alternator pulleys are interchangeable, just get a half inch generator pulley---GM, Ford, or Chrysler and use it. Sometimes the pulley needs a spacer and sometimes the alternator shaft doesn't stick through far enough for a lock washer so just clean good and use a dab of red Loctite. Use the alternator fan and don't use Loctite until final assembly. The nut can be heated to remove at a later date.
Evan
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 | | | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,644 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,644 | Jim Carter has the 1/2 inch pulleys to fit on you're alt.
Pete | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 | Thanks everyone,
I will ask an electrical question next in the electrical forum. Need to decide if the change to 12 volts is worth the effort.
1946 1-ton Panel 1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,275 | Any starter/alternator rebuilding shop should have an alternator pulley in stock to fit your current belt.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 | Any starter/alternator rebuilding shop should have an alternator pulley in stock to fit your current belt. That's where I found mine also, for my 55.2 235. Wasn't very expensive either, if I remember correctly.
Brian 1955.2 3100 Truck The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | |
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