Alternator Generator conversion

waxhead

waxhead

Senior Member
My pickup had already been converted to 12 volts when I purchased it, and has a GM alternator installed. I am keen to stick with a 12 volt alternator, but would like to install something that looks more period correct like the original generator.

I have read several threads on here, but didn't really find the answer I was after.

Has anyone installed a Powermaster alternator as per below (or something similar)?? If so, do you have any pictures of the installation??

http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/pwm-82091/overview/

Thanks in advance for any help or other suggestions on an alternator installation that doesn't look so out of place under the hood of my model A.
 
How about a 12 volt generator? Converting a generator is hundreds less then the alt you mention. What accessories do you have in the car?
 
Hey Waxhead,
There is a guy just West of my location (Simi Valley), who makes an alternater inside your stock generator case (NOT cheap either). Therefor, you have the stock look and the regular mounting arrangement. I've spoken to him at the San Antonio Boys Home Swap Meet, that is held once a year. He does nice work and have heard nothing but good of his product. Problem was that he told me that he is only doing 6V at that time and had not geared up for 12V units yet...bummer, as that's what I wanted as mine, like you, is converted to 12V. The generator case is hogged out and a small alternator (Nippon, I think) is fitted. Maybe you can get something started over there for your buds, eh ? I would think that that one you point up will work fine. Only thing is the mounting !
 
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Russ Evans is the person who lives in the San Fernando area that convert the original generator housing into an alternator. He can be reached at (805) 813-0480 or (805) 583-4221. Great person to deal with and very knowledgeable. Maybe he has figured out the 12 volt system by now.
 
I contacted power master about their OEM looking alternators. Here is the response I got:
=========

Paul,
Unfortunately we do not have any information on this part online quite yet (as you already know) because it is so new. What we've built is a one wire alternator to fit in place of the factory generator. We can do this in a 6 volt, 60 amp, or a 12 volt, 90 amp. Our price is $350.

Thank you,
Brady Basner
Power master Performance

============
Give us a call at 630-957-4019 and either ask for myself, or J.R.

Thank you,
Brady

==========
 
Ck out the ad in the new march hemmings for orig looking generators with alt inside for either 6 or 12 Volt (ad is on pg21).
powermasterperformance.com

Paul in CT
 
We will have an installation report in the next Model A Times. We had the unit at Turlock to show to people. It was displayed at the recent SEMA show and we brought it home after the show to try out. This is not an alternator inside, it is a billet aluminum housing that is specifically made to be an alternator.
 
Mel Gross said:
Russ Evans is the person who lives in the San Fernando area that convert the original generator housing into an alternator. He can be reached at (805) 813-0480 or (805) 583-4221. Great person to deal with and very knowledgeable. Maybe he has figured out the 12 volt system by now.
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Hey Mel,
Thanks, as I could not locate Russ card. It is probably with ALL the other stuff...somewhere :) !
 
A generator doesn't care about volts, so, why not just install an original generator with one of Tom Wesenburg's voltage regulators ?
 
I'm running an original generator on 12 volts in my roadster with a Fun Projects voltage regulator. It is a simple easy set up but doesn't put out 60 amps like some alternators. It easily puts out 12 volts and required no mods to the generator and will handle 35 w halogen bulbs that fit original sockets. If you plan on running a bunch of high amp accessories this set up won't be for you .
 
Patrick L. said:
A generator doesn't care about volts, so, why not just install an original generator with one of Tom Wesenburg's voltage regulators ?
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Drive Shaft Dave said:
X 2
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Purdy Swoft said:
I'm running an original generator on 12 volts in my roadster with a Fun Projects voltage regulator. It is a simple easy set up but doesn't put out 60 amps like some alternators. It easily puts out 12 volts and required no mods to the generator and will handle 35 w halogen bulbs that fit original sockets. If you plan on running a bunch of high amp accessories this set up won't be for you .
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As Purdy says and I asked in my other post, depends on what else he is running if an original will work.
 
Mike V. Florida said:
How about a 12 volt generator? Converting a generator is hundreds less then the alt you mention. What accessories do you have in the car?
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Mike I am not running any extra accessories.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and ideas. I will look into some of these options and hopefully find something that suits.

Thanks once again for all responses.
 
waxhead said:
Mike I am not running any extra accessories.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and ideas. I will look into some of these options and hopefully find something that suits.

Thanks once again for all responses.
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Then a 12 volt generator will work fine, better with a regulator, saving you a bunch of money!
 
No modifications are needed for an original model A generator to run 12 volts . I'm running mine 12 volt positive ground and no wires need to be changed. The original style wiring harnesses work perfectly The only thing needed is a twelve volt battery and either a ballast resister at the coil or replace the coil with a 3.0 OHM coil. An original cutout will work but you won't have voltage regulation . I run the can style voltage regulator from Fun projects that takes the place of the cut out. These regulators can be had in either positive or negative ground . The model A generator will charge whatever battery that it is connected to up to probably 40 volts. The original style 20 amp ammeter works great, You can use the 35 watt halogen bulbs that fit the original sockets or the original style 12 volt bulbs that most vendors sell. The model A generator won't put out enough amps to use the 60-55 watt quartz halogen bulbs unless you can locate a 60 amp armature for the generator. With this setup, you get all of the advantages of 12 volt without the higher amps of a 60 amp alternator. Lower amps are easier on the generator and wiring and runs cool. The starter spins just as fast as any 12 volt system and I didn't need to modify the starter. If you ever wanted to go back to 6 volts the biggest thing would be installing a 6 volt battery and either removing the ballast at the coil or if you had installed a 3.0 ohm coil you would need to reinstall the original style coil and bulbs . If you've got a good original generator, a 12 volt upgrade is one of the simplest conversions that I know of .
 
Purdy,
Do you think the 12v conversion would handle electric trailer brakes?
Thanks for your thoughts.
 
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