The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop alternator or generator

I currently have a generator on the 57 chevy i have and am in the process of rebuilding the whole engine area. What are the differences in generator and alternator? Should I switch to alternator? What all goes into switching to alternator?

If you are a survivalist, keep the generator. It won't get knocked out in case of electro magnetic pulse created in nuclear war.

You'll get arguments both ways on this. "Better" is usually the newer product for one reason or another. Otherwise, I would let it be determined by the amount of originality that is important. Both work fine, But if you are going to add a bunch of electrical equipment to the vehicle, you might want to consider alternators.

For a stock truck, I think in terms of "how easy can I fix it?"

A generator is pretty easy to rebuild. I've never replaced a diode on an alternator, but I know I can find a replacement easier. You might want to consider how hard it is to find parts for a generator vs. an alternator. I can go to most parts stores and get an alternator for my 65 chevy.

If it is reliability, I don' t have a problem with either as long as I know up front what kind of shape either is in when I'm starting out.

Alternators charge at a lower RPM. They are better if you are going to much driving especialy at nite & in traffic. They also are more reliable & last 2-3 times as long as a gen. If you want originality & nostalgia stick with the gen. The changeover is not hard.

That helps a little. I think the nostalgia is pretty important, as we are keeping it all basically how it was made, but we do plan on driving it daily, so I guess maybe I will have to weigh my options, and look at price. What about the voltage reg that the generator goes to. How do I find out about changing all the wires around, or do I? Also, which size alt would I need. Thanks guys

Ok I am taking it apart, but how the hell are you supposed to get the big nut off with the pulley. It justs keeps spinning and there is nothing to hold on to to keep it from spinning.

why do you want to get the pully off? let it go with the generator, an alternator will have a smaller one ... if you really need it seperate, hold the pulley with a belt on in a vise - or you'll have to disassemble the gen so you can secure the armature in the vise

Bill

Use an impact wrench,it should come right off.

I've seen some generators that are ectually an alternator in disguise. Mostly for looks on an "original" rebuild. Speedway Motors in Nebraska has them.

I have a Power Gen alternator in in my 54 1/2 ton. It looks just like the original generator. Fits real nice and no problems.....so far

jreal-

bowtietim is right on with the impact.

I'm kinda new to these old cars, and recently replaced the brushes on my generator. I know they can look kinda intimidating at first, but if you understand the principles on how they operate, you'll realize how simple they really are. just read through a shop manual (most can be found online at oldcarmanualproject.com) and it should explain it pretty well. The old generators work well if you're restoring your truck, but as some other guys said, if you're going to add alot of power accessories, the old gennie won't be able to keep up at low RPM.

If you still want to keep it, but are worried about it being able to keep up, you can get a battery maintainer...it will at least insure that your battery is fully charged at the beginning of your trips.

Hope this helps