The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Alternator recommendation?

Next winter I plan to convert to 12 volts and all the info on this forum has been very helpful. Since several of you have experience with this I would like your recommendation on what alternator to buy, and where to get a bracket. I plan to run only the standard gauge package but I will upgrade to an FM radio with conventional speakers.
No big boom sound for this old guy. I will probably also switch to electric wiper motor.

Thanks for all the info.

shoeless,

What year truck do you have?

I believe in simplicity, so I suggest a one-wire GM alternator (it has an internal voltage regulator). The major disadvantage of the one-wire alternator is that it does not start current flow until your engine reaches between 900-1200 rpm. After that point, the alternator produces current at all rpms. This has never been a problem for me because my engine usually starts with a fast idle, and thus the alternator starts charging within seconds of starting.

The main question would be the output rating of the alternator. I think the lowest rated alternator is 35 amperes (12v) and the stock 1/2 ton 6v generator was around 25 amperes (6v). If you want a powerful stereo system and plan on adding a lot of accessories, you might want a more powerful alternator.

Search the "Electrical Bay" forum on this site for "alternator" and read all the threads. There is a a lot of good advice there.

There are a variety of methods for attaching the alternator - the lower bracket is trickier than the upper arm (you might get away with your generator upper arm). I bought an alternator bracket and alternator from the same vendor and still had to drill and grind the bracket for a good fit.

By the way, JC Whitney has one-wire alternators at good prices.

Good luck,
Tim

What year truck do you have?
1952 1/2 ton with '61 235

I believe in simplicity, so I suggest a one-wire GM alternator (it has an internal voltage regulator).

I like this idea. Thanks.

The major disadvantage of the one-wire alternator is that it does not start current flow until your engine reaches between 900-1200 rpm.

So, after I shift gears once, it is working ... no problem.

If you want a powerful stereo system and plan on adding a lot of accessories, you might want a more powerful alternator.

No big boom boxes for this guy ... thanks.

By the way, JC Whitney has one-wire alternators at good prices.

Good info ... thanks again!

BTW Tim, how "enhanced" is that 261? I'm considering upgrading from 235 to 261 also, but have not yet begun a search in earnest. Is it worth it? I'm wanting to run headers, 2 carbs, and perhaps a very mild street cam.

shoeless in Oklahoma

Shoeless, I run a standard 63 amp Delco 10si alternator in my truck. I got it from Autozone for $25 with a lifetime guarantee. I mounted it using the old generator brackets flipped over. It fits great. It works great, too. I run a 15 amp electric fan and 130W halogen headlights from it with no problem. I have a 261 but the 235 mounts exactly the same way. The way to get it to charge instantly at idle is to get the DA plug, connect the red wire to the battery, and connect the white wire to a bulb, the other end of which you connect to the ignition switch. This will give you an idiot light and make the alternator charge all the time. A smaller pulley will also get the alternator spinning faster at startup.