The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Generator to alternator..Help

Dear Members:
I have a 1954 chevy truck,235 motor converted to 12 volt, that I just purchased.
The battery was not charging and when I checked the generator it was not putting out anything...So, I pulled it and brought it to a rebuild guy..who informed me that the generator was from a FORD....No wonder it wasn't charging.
Anyway he suggested I go to a 1 wire alternator? or possible 3 wire.?
He also suggested I go to the junk yard and get a 74 or later GM alternator and bring it to him to convert to a 1 wire.
Well I rather buy a new one and when that goes bad get it rebuilt...that being said who builds an alternator for a 54 ? I saw a bracket in classic chevys but no alternator.
I'm new to the AD Chevys so I have a Million questions...but I'll just start with this one since it raised it's ugly head.
Thanks
Jimmi V.

Welcome aboard! You're not going to find an alternator specific to the application, only part available is the brakcet to adapt one to the engine. The brackets are usually listed wiht what alternators fit them, but you'll most likely be looking for a 10Si or 12Si from a late '70s to early '90s GM, as your rebuild guy mentioned. Pretty much any of the aftermarket hot rod suppliers, like Summit, Jegs, and Speedway, carry them, just a matter of what amperage output you want. There are also conversion kits available to make your own froma stock replacement.
Now, if you want to keep a the generator look, but have an alternator, there is the PowerGen alternator. It's basically a GM style alternator inside a reproductin generator case, however, they are very expensive.
Personal opinion time; I tried a single wire alternator on mine. It did work ok, once I got the pulley size sorted out (do NOT use the stock generator pulley, too large), it didn't seem to respond quick enough from idle. converting back to the stock style 3 wire regulator corrected that problem. I don't mean to put single wire alternaors down, or say not to use one, only relating my own experience with them.

hey Jimmi, welcome to the garage - searching this forum a bit should give you more than you want to know about an alternator upgrade for AD trucks - there is no year specific alternator, you just need to find the mounting brackets that work with your engine [I think ones from newer Chev 6's can be worked] and get whatever alternator you can find at a reasonable price .... see this page to learn some about the differences in one vs 3 wire - I'd go with the 3 wire myself

Bill

Thanks guys for the quick reply, the demand I have for the truck are as follows: Headlights,turn signals,stereo, heater/defroster electric wipers,dome light,taillights and lic. light.

Any Idea how large an alternator I need for the load I have?

Thanks
Jimmi

I've got a 45 on my '53

I'm running a 65 on mine, with similar equipment to what you pant to run.

Bill:
Is it a 1 or 3 wire ? and what is the brand and #
Thanks
Jimmi

see info for the AC Delco 10SI and 12SI Jimmi, towards the bottom it lists applications

Bill

Picked mine up at Autozone, and is of the one wire configuration.

Hey guys..with the 1 wire can you still use the volt meter gauge in the dash ?

Yes, just use the Bat wire from the regulator and attach it to the wire on the alternator.

It's a 3 wire, mid 70s GM style. I had a local electrical shop build it for me, was cheaper than buing a reman from the flaps, about $60.

with the 3 wire you can still use the stock dash volt gauge ...yes?

OK...now I just have to go to the salvage yard and get " ANY " alternator from 70's and bring it to a rebuilder and they can make it into a 3 wire ? what about the connector ?
If i just want to forgo this and get a new rebuilt one...from kragens or petboys etc. which one do I get...I've read to use a s10 or s12 ?.. whatever that is. I tried to go to the wire wise site..can't connect.
So, a direct answer would be great... I would like a 3 wire 60 amp alternator.
Thanks Guys

also,what pulley do I use ? can I take the off the generator and use that ?
Thanks

It should come with the pulley, if you get either one.