GM alternator on 37 engine

mrtexas

Well-known member
I have a 37 engine in my 36 woodie. I am trying to put on a GM alternator. I am finding the bracket mounts the alternator 1 1/2inches higher than the generator and the adaptor pulley is also 1/2 inch smaller than the generator pulley. This requires at least 1/2inch spacer under radiator to have fan clear radiator and I know this will throw the hood way out of alignment. Someone must have done this before?

Photo show the center line of alternator 1 1/2 inches higher than center line of generator

gmalt.jpg
 
Unless your running a large amount of electrical componets I would change the 6-v gen. over to 12 and use it. Might be be better than changing the rad,hood etc. Just my 2 cents
 
Or another option is from 37 coupe.

"Ed Whitney does this,he is a V8 Club member and advertises in V8 Times. He actually only uses the front and rear ends of your generator and uses a new machined aluminum case. The alternator will be a new one I believe,6 or 12 volt positive or negative ground,internal regulator but send your cutout he installs it for original look. 8612 Kendor Dr. Buena Park,Ca 90620. Ph. (714) 773-1611. I have been using a 6 volt positive ground one on my 37 for 4 years."

The diameter of the housing is a little larger than original but you have to look close to see. Keeps more to the original look. Dave/Green Bay
 
MRtexas
You might look at some imported alternators with smaller outside diameters.

Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time
 
Unless your running a large amount of electrical componets I would change the 6-v gen. over to 12 and use it. Might be be better than changing the rad,hood etc. Just my 2 cents

Tiquer has the best suggestion. Other than that is your manifold the one with the lowest generator mount available? How about a picture and/or some measurements.

Charlie Stephens
 
You just have to use a shorter fan belt. NAPA 22545 will work. This uses the fan mounted pulley from Speedway and it fits just fine under the radiator top.
 
Tiquer has the best suggestion. Other than that is your manifold the one with the lowest generator mount available? How about a picture and/or some measurements.

Charlie Stephens

Here is a shot of the intake. The generator mount looks high to me. Are there ones for a 21 stud that are lower?

intake.jpg
 
Certified auto electric has the FORD alt/brackett for flatheads. Having a GM alt in a ford when a FORD option is available makes more sense to me. Can post pic's of my install if you need Mr. T

certifiedautoelectric.com check em out
 
I would certainly consider the EJ Whitney conversion.I have had him do 2 for me.Here it is on my 36 coupe.Does not look out of place like the GM alt does.Apologize for the interior shot I put in by mistake.
 

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Use an intake from a 37-39 which has a shorter neck for geneerator mount, and you shouldn't have any problems. The one you are using us for 35-36 and is too tall for your application.
 
I would certainly consider the EJ Whitney conversion.I have had him do 2 for me.Here it is on my 36 coupe.Does not look out of place like the GM alt does.

They are nice but at $450 too expensive for me and too long of a wait at 6 weeks. I don't care about "GM looking out of place." I don't intend to open my hood for anyone who can tell the difference. I can buy a rebuilt GM alternator for $45.
 
Here is a comparison between the 46-48 intakes and the earlier aluminum intake.
 

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