The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6 volt alternators

Hey guys,
I don't recall it being mentioned, but I probably missed it if it was, or I'm really behind the times, but......

I was going through a new JC Whitney catalog last night and saw they had one wire 6 volt alternators. They were under $100 too. It seems to me they had 60 and 80 amp. It seems like a good "alternative" change.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Builder

How many amps come out of the original generator?

What year and size truck?

He has a 1948 3100 .

What's the big love afair with alternators? My 57 has had a generator since I bought it in 1974 and driven 100,000 miles, my Alis Chalmer WD has the generator and 6 volt in the winter I it started in below 0 weather, plow out three drive ways always starts been doing this for 30 years , my 54 Plymouth ,29 Chevy and 30 Chevy truck all the same , now and then I replace the brushes ,BIG DEAL, cost me less than $5!

They are capable of higher amperage output, and are also more efficient at producting power than a similar voltage output generator.

A long time friend of this site Randy Rundle is probably the king of 6 volt alternators . Check out his site Fifth Avenue Garage .

So. On my 1948 3100 with the 216 engine - how many amps does the 6 volt generator generate? I am sure it is not in the 60-100 range. I guess it is somewhere in the 30 amp range. I am also thinking this is the same if I decided to change over to a 12 volt system. Right?

Thank you

yes, 30-35 for the standard 6 volt, maybe 30-45 for later 12V ... one of the reasons for alternators is they can be much higher output

Bill

Approximately 36 amperes as standard equipment in 1948.

Thanks guys.

I am assuming this is enough output for the normal stuff on a truck.

Is this enough output for all the plain original normal stuff (no radio) plus halogen headlights and air conditioning?

I like halogen headlights and possible LED tail lights.

Thanks again

with AC especially, and halogens, I'd think 12V with at least the common 45amp gen would be needed, and an alternator would be best

Bill

Thanks for the information. I would also like to change to a pushbutton or key start. Personal preference.

I have had an alternator on my 54 for a long time and just lately found out that with the low rear end my engine rpm in most cases was not high enough to kick the alternator on and when it did it would not stay on because of the low rpm. i bought one from jegs that comes on at 800rpm and stays on no matter the rpm unless the key is turned off.