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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 106 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 106 | I have a 1954 Chevy 6100 with a 235 Straight 6. I am having to convert from 6 to 12 volt. I was figuring I would need just a standard 10si 63 amp alternator. Is there a way to calculate this. The truck is fully stock. It has a radio (currently doesn't work), a heater, lights of course, adding a trailer brake controller and maybe, just maybe in the future I might add A/C. Would 63 amps be sufficient? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | That's more than twice the capacity of the average 12 volt generator. 63 amps should have enough charging capacity to support anything you add on later, unless you choose to install a fancy sound system and a bed full of high-wattage speakers.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 106 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2018 Posts: 106 | I was trying to figure things up on a website for alternators and it kept figuring up like 72 amps. I thought that was way too high. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | The charging system will supply current to meet the electrical needs of the vehicle first, like lights, ignition, heater blower, radio, etc., then whatever capacity is left over will be used for battery charging. For instance- - - -ignition 5 amps, high beam headlights, 15 amps, tail lights/turn signals 10 amps, heater high fan 15 amps, radio 10 amps max- - - -if everything is on at once, that's 55 amps. that would leave 8 amps to charge the battery. More realistically, you'll probably have 20-25 amps accessory draw, and 40 amps or so available for battery charging. Immediately after starting, charge current into the battery will probably be 40 amps, and it will quickly taper off to 10 amps or less as the starting load is replenished. If you want a little overkill, use a 75 amp alternator- - - -the price won't be that much different than a 63, and you'll probably never use the full output.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 270 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 270 | Just as a point of reference, I have a standard 10si unit, I think about 57 or 60 amp capacity. I take regular road trips, 5-10 hours. With AC, headlights, stereo, electric fuel pump, points ignition, cruise control, electric choke, probably some others I can't remember the alternator keeps up with demand. Don't worry about trailer brake controller, it uses very little power except when you are actually braking. The battery will handle those intermittent loads. If you have an electric fan and electric wipers that may require the next level of output. I have been well satisfied with my alternator. | | |
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