I noticed the other day that my '53 wasnt quite charging properly. It had been working fine, over the past year or so, but I was actually using the headlights coming home (makes for a fun trip with 6 volts and a good sweep of rain coming through) and realized that the amp meter was showing a discharge. I did a few tests and determined that the regulator was fine and that the generator was the problem.
So I pulled out the generator and checked the brushes.
I was a little startled to see they had worn completely down to about 3/16"-1/4", and one had been twisted out and was flapping around next to the armature. Ive got a stack of old starters and generators in my shed, but thats the first time Ive seen the brushes that far gone. Good thing I was always have spare parts on the shelf. Swapped them out and away we went!
On a whim I checked out Rockauto and they have brush sets listed for about $3!
Even though its listed under 'alternator brushes'. Standard Motor Products #RX58
Thought it was worth passing on, might have to order a spare set to stuff in the glovebox.
Jeff
