I would like to convert my stock '48 Pontiac to 12v keeping the original generator together with an electronic regulator which I would like to assemble myself within the original can. *Can I use the same armatures? *Are the field coils for the '55 the same fit? (Delco) *Any circuit diagrams? *Anything else I should be aware of? All suggestions will be most welcome. Humphrey (in France)
Sounds like a good challenge. Here is the Chevy parts book section on generators, you can see for yourself if any parts are the same between 6v and 12v models. It might be confusing. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0211.htm
I'm not an electronic expert but I can tell you my experience with FORD generators. To convert a 6V Ford generator to 12Vs all that is necessary is 12V field windings on the 6V generator. I just disassembled the 6V gen. and reassembled it using the body from a 64 Ford generator. I used a garden variety VR and It works just fine. On the Ford system everything is 6V except the field windings and the VR. I personally don't care for electronic VRs JMHO
I don't know if the do-it-yourself part of the job is important to you, but within one manufacturer like Delco/GM the common 1950's generators and regulators are nearly indistinguishable. From overseas you really can't measure and plot differences, but I think you would be pretty safe ordering a '55-7 Pontiac or Chevy alternator. You can then just swap the case with coils or, most likely, the whole thing...most GM cars used the same 2-tab mounting. I believe your belt on the '48 will be the wide sort, and so you just keep that with whatever you do. On the regulator, a '55 12V cover will almost certainly interchange with what you have and the regulator will likely screw into the same holes. ' I believe some modern manufactured regulators for 1950's and 1960's cars are now solid state, but I don't know anything about what is out there. In any case, the original regulator likely has enough room for whatever you invent.
I am thinking of getting an alternator to fit the original case which is 4" diameter inside. I could get one of those look a like locally. I did see a project where someone had done that. Can someone find the link?
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