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Hi my name is sal I'm I have a 53 chevy truck with a 235 and Im trying to figure out if I should stay with a generator or convert it over to a alternator . Well the generator give me any problems ? I'm not running alot of accessories just keeping the truck stock..

If you can find a 12 volt generator or have your 6 volt converted they will do just fine. Plus it will look period correct.

My choice is to keep the generator. Don't open a can of worms. The gen in my '54 works like a champ.

- Lonnie

It depends on what you plan to do with your truck. If you will use it regularly especially at night & in traffic & added acessories I would use an alternator. It also is more reliable.

This will give you the basics on both, may help you decide.
http://umea.engin.umich.edu/Downloads/UM%20Flyers%20Ground%20School/Alternator%20vs%20Generator.ppt

Thxs guys

Well I was told that if I use a generator I will have to flash the field and could be really unreliable and could leave you stranded ? I'm confused about that

Who told you about generator reliability? Many friend have good intentions, but "old wives tales" knowledge. Is he an autoelectric professional who regularily works on automobile generators? If not, then I would rely on the advice that you receive from this forum.

A number of Stovebolters including "Hot Rod Lincoln" (Engine builder and former automotive instructor) and "Kennethw" (owner of classicgenerator.com), plus GM documents educated me when I needed help with my generator.

RELIABILITY:
A bad alternator will leave you stranded just as fast as a bad generator.

FLASHING A GENERATOR:
A generator should be flashed when it is installed into the charging circuit - either a new generator or one that was removed for repair. Only needs to be done once. No big deal. From the 1954 Truck Shop Manual (same info for all years and voltages of generators in our trucks):

"... after installing a new or rebuilt generator ... connect a jumper lead momentarily between the Armature and Battery terminals of the regulator ... before the engine is started. This allows a monentary surge of current to flow through the generator which correctly polarizes it."
> bold print, step #2, top of page

Ken Warner at ClassicGenerator.com built a 12v generator in a Chevrolet 6v case for my '54 3104 and matched it to a new voltage regulator. It looks exactly like an original 6v gen. Works great day or night. I never worry about being stranded because of the generator.
> Generator

EDIT: Sorry Wrenchbender Ret. I see that you also said that an alternator is more reliable. I value your experience and knowledge and I have often relied on it. However, I am confident with the reliability of my generator.

- Lonnie

Had more troubles with generators and regulators when I was younger, than I do with alternators now that I'm older.

I like Lonnie have had good luck with mine. I run a 12-volt generator in my 50' 3600 and have had no issues. I bought it off eBay used and it has run reliably for two years now. I do think it requires a look at what you use your truck for and the accessories and load you require. My truck is a weekend only truck with only a hidden stereo as the accessory load. It seems that this mirrors what you outlined in your post Sal.

I had problems with old 6v generators and JC Whitney new 6v voltage regulators in the 60s/70s than I have now with old/rebuilt 6v generators and old but clean 6v voltage generators.

I've had problems with poorly maintained generator/ regulator systems, alternators don't really need any maintenance, but are more expensive to replace than a set of brushes

Bill

There is nothing wrong with a generator system in good working order. From a reliability point of view, an alternator system is a more modern and better design than the older generator setup. That does not make the generator a bad design.

Ok Thxs for the great info

Even with the wiring in mediocre condition, I have found the generator to be very reliable. I do, however, lean very strongly towards "remanufactured" instead of rebuilt, and new on the regulator.

I will advise you to convert to 12 volt. My truck simply runs better and is more reliable on 12 volt.

One thing I do when I travel in my classic is I keep a spare freshly remanufactured genny and regulator under the seat, in addition to a spare remanufactured starter. I will also pack along the rotor, dist. cap, points and condensor from the most recent tune-up (distributor points -- very important). These are item that are the least likely to be found in all parts stores.

Have fun
Walt Williams
La Verkin, UT

1956 1/2 TON Running now for 20 years on the same generator. never a glitch.

So I am in the Air Force, its 1979 and my wife (also in the Air Force) is 1600 miles away. Im in Biloxi and she is in Albuquerque. Well, due to hormones and its Christmas, I decide to go and see her. I have a 1954 Chevy 1/2 ton in very questionable condition. No tools, no parts, just young and stupid.

The truck I purchased for $75 and it was in the middle of a farmers field in Texas with trees growing through the floorboards. I got it running, fixed it well enough to drive, and I am on this trip. I have two weeks to get back to Biloxi.

I am in a hurry so I am doing about 60-65 and I get about 50 miles west of San Antonio and the truck dies. I coast off an exit ramp that was handily right there, and coast into a gas station ON SUNDAY. I figured out the points were actually broke. The employee at the gas station called his friend the owner of the OTHER closed gas station across the street. He had a shoe box with points in it, and sure enough there was a set in that box just for me!

Made it all the way to ABQ and had a wonderful time. The transmission was shot after I got there, it was clear I wouldn't make it back so I flew back and left it there. I was getting a 'join spouse' assignment back there anyway after tech school.

I have loved these trucks ever since. I was 20, now I am 55. I have exchanged my love for my EX wife since then, but never got over the love of these trucks!