I've seen a '60 Pontiac at shows that was converted to an alternator (physically) simply by bolting it in place of the generator. It must work, the car also has one of those hydraulic suspension setups in it... (although something must not quite be right, every time I see it it's for sale and seems like it has a different owner!). They may have added a small L-bracket to help support it, but the metal fab work was minor. Anyhow, I would think that you could do this on the Dodge, perhaps adding a sleeve (piece of small diameter pipe) to the lower bolt to position the alternator. I'd imagine you'll find aftermarket stuff setup for using a GM alternator (some of them are internally regulated if I remember right) rather than a Mopar, but it's probably just a matter of finding one with the holes in close to the right place and the right size and depth pulleys. The Pontiac top generator bracket is just a single arm which if I remember right has one bolt. I'd have to dig out some photos I have here of a '59 Dodge engine to see if you can tinker with the bracket, but I am thinking that if the upper mount is not quite exactly the same, you'll be able to compensate for it by moving the bracket a little. I'd be tempted to use a '60s style with external reg in place of my old voltage regulator; you could even go so far as to fit a small alternator into a generator shell for a totally stock look. Someone else will have to fill in on the wiring - I remember there is something you need to re-route or change to prevent the no-shut-off situation, but it escapes me now just exactly how that's done. Next question: Why over 100 amps? Are you adding a lot of power options to this car? Some late 50s cars still only run 25 amps or so stock through the voltage regulator - if you don't have power windows, power seats, super power headlights, one of those super fancy stereos that you can open the trunk and use the bass to push your car down the road, etc. you don't really need a lot of amps, just enough to recharge your battery. So a basic 75 or 85 is probably fine. Bill K. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lou" <email4lou@xxxxxxxxxx> To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 2:50 PM Subject: [FWDLK] Alternator conversion kits? > Hi, > > I'd like to do a conversion on my '59 Dodge Coronet, but since the > passenger side head does not have the bolt holes for the later > alternator bracketry, it looks like I'll have to find some way to use > the existing generator bracketry that attaches to the exhaust manifold > and water pump housing. Has anyone done this? Does anyone know of any > ready made kits for such a thing? I don't think I have the equipment > nor metalworking expertise to fashion my own. Also, I'd need a tip on > what alternator/regulator to use (I'd like something 100amp) and how to > rewire for it. I have an article from Auto Restorer Magazine that > recommends using a "DA plug" to make the alternator start charging at a > lower RPM idle (because supposedly modern alternators aren't "switched > on until 1200 RP or so, and it is possible for an alternator-converted > car to NOT shutdown after switch the key off). Does anyone have any > experience with these symptoms and/or this DA plug as a solution? > > Lou > > ************************************************************* > > To unsubscribe or set your subscription options, please go to > http://lists.psu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=l-forwardlook&A=1 > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.830 / Virus Database: 565 - Release Date: 1/10/2005 ************************************************************* To unsubscribe or set your subscription options, please go to http://lists.psu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=l-forwardlook&A=1
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