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I was taking off my generator from a 1954 chevy 3100 235 engine ( that was transplanted into a 1951 chevy 3100 5 window I’m fixing up before I bought it) in anticipation of getting a one wire GM alternator to convert to 12 volt. Lo and behold, I checked the tag and it says it’s a 12 volt generator. Tag says 1100304 and 7E29. Any info on the year of this and how to proceed in my 12 volt quest. I am assuming the cab has 6 volt gauges, heater fan, sending unit, etc.

Tech Tips.........Electrical Section.🛠

Thanks. I knew I saw it somewhere:)

Are you saying this engine was running with a 6 volt battery and a 12 volt generator?

No. I bought it with everything disconnected. No battery,carb, radiator. All original cotton wrapped ( and frayed) wiring. I think the PO was going to convert it to 12 volt but didn’t. Now I’m sorting it out and trying to convert to 12 v. It is a ‘51 5 window with, I think, a ‘54 full pressure 235, a ‘55 3 speed converted to 3 on the floor ( not done well), and what I think is a ‘57 3.90 rear end. Needs some love but I’ve got time.

Just FYI....the 1100304 generator was used on 1957-60 Nash Ramblers and 55-57 Pontiac. The original number generator for a 54 would have been 1100018. Mounting on the two was the same as far as distance on the bottom but they did have different end plates and fan pulley. Top mounting ear on the 1100304 generator was offset to the right a little if looking from the rear of the generator. The 018 front plate would have been more straight up and down. 018 generator would have also had a pulley that had an offset pulley......or a pulley with a hub on it as we call it. The pulley was not up against the fan. The 304 did have a pulley against the fan. Both stamped steel and one piece but you get the idea. 1100304 is 12 volt 25 amp. 1100018 was of course 6 volt but rated at 45 amp. So if you run into any alignment issues or mounting on the generator the difference listed above may be something to consider.
Regards,
Ken

Wow, Thanks for the info. This truck is truly a “ Johnny Cash”! Would it be better to get a one wire GM alternator or use this generator if I wanted to go 12 volt?

Will this generator be sufficient for my 12v conversion (assuming the only electrical needs would be original- head/stop lights, turn signal, heater fan, gas gauge, dome light, dash lights, maybe cigarette lighter) ? Is 25 amps good enough?

Yes, if you want it to look period correct. If not then convert to alternator.🛠

Thanks for the advice, Justhorsenround. I appreciate all the help. 12v generator (assuming it works) and voltage regulator it is. Now to check the fan motor and sending unit.

Go full 12V conversion with Alternator.

No, but a possibly valuable item for someone. List it on our sales forum and local craigslist.

If that is all your running you should be ok. Just keep in mind 25 amps is not a lot so if you started adding more then you would need to have the amperage output increased on the generator or find another higher output generator. Alternative would be like mentioned above and go with an alternator if your not concerned with originality.
Ken

Fan motor and sending unit may be original to the 1951 truck ( 6 volt) but the PO may have switched them. I just looked at the headlights and they are 12 volt. Thinking the P.O. was in the process of converting to 12 volt.