generator to alternator lesson needed

[forsakenfew]

there have been a few posts about the ups and downs of running a generator vs.an alternator. however, i didn't really see a how to on installing a one wire GM unit.

can anyone run me through this? gonna give it a shot tonight, as i have some serious issues with the poncho.

what wires get jumped at the alternator? what about the stock regulator and all the wires running to it?

i did this years ago on an impala, but i'll be damned if i can remember anything about it!

[ric]

Check out these instructions..................http://www.geocities.com/baja/dunes/6948/alternator_swap.html
I've done a couple and allways refresh my memory with something off the internet. A Google search turned this up.

[Petejoe]

You didn't mention if the car was originally 6 volt but here's this...conversion (http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/six12.htm)

[skipperman]

You really DON'T want a one-wire...go to madelectronics.com Lots of reading but it tells the story...read 'remote voltage sensing"......

Jersey Skip

[forsakenfew]

ok, i've also heard on a pontiac board to stay away from 1 wire applications. was told to run an internally regulated 3 wire alternator that pontiac started installing in the 70's.

anyone have info in this?

damn i hate electrical BS

[kustomd]

I've ran a onewire alt on my 60 for several years now since my gen quit and its worked fine for me.

[forsakenfew]

skipperman, went to that sight, but it's a CB radio sight. do you have another addy?

[skipperman]

www.madelectrical.com/index (http://www.madelectrical.com/index)

Jersey Skip

[skipperman]

tried the link...didn't work...... dunno why..... maybe ya gotta type it all http://www.madelectrical.com/index.shtml

Jersey Skip (comes up for me ....???)

[forsakenfew]

skipperman, finally got to the sight. you originally had madelectronICS, not madelectical.

you were right, lots of reading, but damn good info! i think i now have most of the info i need to tackle this small project tonight. everything except a heated garage.

thanks again for the sending me to the sight. i printed it all out and will be keeping it as a resource.

[skipperman]

That's what I get for quotin'the place from memory......duh !!! any way---yes...LOTS of real good electrical there.....I got it right from the HAMB myself.....

Jersey Skip

[286merc]

That site is a saver, thanx.

[Missing Link]

I will only make a suggestion bsed on past experience.
Go with a three wire alternator instead of a one wire. The three wire is not that much harder to install anyway. The reason I say this is because when I rewired my car I looked high and low for a one wire alternator at every parts store in my region. NONE of them had one one wire in stock. BUT they all had three, two, six, eight, twelve, forty seven, and one hundred and sixteen wire versions on the shelf. My main reason for going to the alternator with an internal regulator is to avoid running around like another jack-ass if I ever needed a part on the road. Again this scenario is just based on my region that is all. I know that the alternator can be swithched from xxx# wires to a one wire on the road but dealing with morons at the "We-Be-Parts" house is not my favorite thing. Regardless, that is just my recommendation.

[forsakenfew]

ok, i think i finally figured out what i'm gonna do.

after way too much hassle at the schucks to buy an alternator "that wasn't really meant for my car..." (god i hate those computers on the parts counter!) i bought a ACdelco for a mid 70's pontiac. brought it home and decided it was gonna be too much fabrication to undertake without proper equipment.

so, i found a place that specializes in auot electrics..starters, alternators, etc. called, and the shop guy says "oh yeah, i have pontiacs, i have what you want"

picked up a motorola 80 amp adjustable alternator from him today. for the SAME PRICE as the ac delco. he even drew up a quick wiring diagram for me, and made sure i had all the extras i needed. fusible links, etc.

this thing should drop right in with a tube spacer that i can cut to length.

all i need to do is pull all the melted wire, run new wire, and hook it up!

i'll let ya know how it works out.