The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay High Output Generator

Considering some future additions to my truck (1951 pickup with 12v gen/reg) that might tax the current charging system. Should probably just do an alternator upgrade but for now just thinking out loud….

I need to run the numbers on my current parts, but I think most of the generator/regulator stuff on early 12v systems….were something like 30 amps?

Wasn’t there some sort of “high-output” generator/regulator on some high option GM cars? I’m thinking Cadillac, but might be some BOP cars as well. If so? What sort of output were we talking and is this an upgrade worth considering if I came across such a thing?

Mid-1950s Cadillac and Olds 98 with air conditioning ran a 45 amp generator, IIRC. Maybe Buick Roadmaster, also. There was also a 55 amp for some big truck applications, I think. Some of those generators ran a 2-belt pulley to carry the extra load, I believe.
Jerry

Ok, good to know I wasn’t making that up.

45 amps….is that upgrade a waste of time and money? Or worth pursuing if I could buy the components cheap enough? Wouldn't I need a “matching” regulator if I found the generator?

I’m not a stickler for originality, but for reasons I can’t really explain….I’d like to keep running a generator.

My '57 LCF has what I assume is the original generator, it is the correct date code. It is a 25 or 30 amp, it has twin belts. No power steering, no air compressor, just the water pump and generator.

An extra 15 amps of charging current is an advantage, no matter how it gets there- - - -generator or alternator. There are several 12V D-R generators on Ebay today, advertised as "45 amp". "Buyer beware"- - - -do an online search for the part number to confirm the capacity. Your present regulator can be adjusted to make use of the extra capacity- - - -no need to replace it. PM me for a phone number, and I can talk you through the adjustment procedure.
Jerry

The two belt pulleys on the Cadillac generators were used on air conditioned cars. Generator is just below compressor. This is a 1956 example.

The reproduction single wire long power master 12v generator I acquired for a pretty penny says it’s rated at 90a, but that may be at max rpm (4500+) maybe? On sale at Speedway for $280 a year ago, which is a bargain now. Still working on the wiring so haven’t tried it yet, but with a lot of newer electronics to power, I thought it would be worth the try.

IIRC firetrucks had a high output Leece-Neville generator. I know Lece-Neville has a 230 amp alternator.

This is totally just in the idea phase at this point. Jerry, I will send you an email at some point. Have a “candidate” generator for sale somewhat locally but not 100% sure it’s right.

JW51,

Here is a link to the Cadillac Master Parts Book through 1964. It should list the part numbers for the various generators. I would look it up for you but I have to leave for work in a couple minutes.

https://www.modifiedcadillac.org/do...ogs/Master%20Parts%20List%20thru%201964/

Found it quick. Here it is.

https://www.modifiedcadillac.org/do...Group%202/tn/Group%202%20-%2042.jpg.html

The high power generators on the 50's GM cars w/ac used a different regulator. It had a dual point system on the voltage side. It came with a warning "do not ground field circuit without disconnecting the field wire from the regulator or severe damage will result".
The standard regulator might work after adjustment but they must have had a reason for a more expensive reg.
An alternator system is much more reliable then the old generators. About half of my business back then was gen-reg. repair.

George

I remember those regulators- - - - -There was no difference in the current regulator circuit- - - -the voltage control system had a dual point arrangement to provide a more stable output once the battery approached full charge. On a pickup without all the fancy stuff- - - -automatic headlight dimmer, sophisticated HVAC, signal-seeking radio, etc. there shouldn't be a problem with simply readjusting the current regulator.
Jerry

I agree that a generator will be more than sufficient. I've been driving my Cadillac for 23 years with a DC Generator. No problems at all. Power seats, power windows, radio and AC are the only extras it has to contend with.

Sorry. Just realized this is about generator/generators, not alternator/ generators, If your keeping it totally original with the external regulator.

Jerry - sent you an email!

That's not a factory number- - - - -an original ID tag is riveted on, and 12V ID tags are painted red. That's probably a cobbled-up unit assembled by a rebuilder from bits and pieces.
Jerry