generator or alternator

[Jordan]

Love my alternator. If I had a car I just drove occasionally, I would just leave it however it came. But personally, I drive all the time and I just like not having to worry about the charging rate. I have to have a 12v alternator for my accessories, but I use to have a 6v alternator and I wouldn't of changed back. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

If you're buying the alternator from from a Model A vendor say about $140 plus shipping.

Brattons Part #14970 $199.00 Bracket 30.00

From a normal parts dealer say $72 + $10 core plus tax.
Can't find a part number for a parts store single wire alt in 6 volts

A generator will set you back $179 + $100 core + cutout $23 to $70 plus shipping.

Brattons Generator ( Part #14890 or 14880) 215.00 exchange.


If my pockets are deep enough for a generator then they are deep enough for three alternators.

....

 

[Christoph]

Alternators are UGLY

Prob of alternator is, that they are made for top-speed
of 16000 to 22000 rpm (today). Ratio is created to meet
top-revs of engine with top-revs of alt.
Not having the space to get this ratio into your A, you will allways
have a real high "start-rev" of the alternator and not reaching
the built-in-power ....
You will run the alt powerwise way below "design-speed"
(no prob if output is sufficient to your needs)
Low revs of alt is a good thing as bearings will last forever

 

[Bob-A]

Duffy1 & Keith True,

The alternator is a one wire and after a few minutes of warming up and oil pumping I race the engine to get the aternator "excited"..... Next time I go for a drive I'll not excite the alternator on purpose and wait and see
when it does. Thanks guys!

Bob-A

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

If you're buying the alternator from from a Model A vendor say about $140 plus shipping. From a normal parts dealer say $72 + $10 core plus tax.

A generator will set you back $179 + $100 core + cutout $23 to $70 plus shipping.

If my pockets are deep enough for a generator then they are deep enough for three alternators.

Wow, I like your thinking!! With that same mindset we could also put on fiberglass fenders because they are cheaper & easier to fix than steel, and while we're at it, maybe replace the wheels & tires with ones from a 70's Ford pick-up because they are ½ the price. Oh and instead of replacing the windows with glass, we could use sheet plastic because it is less money too, oh and we can use naugahyde reminants from WalMart for upholstery instead. Oh and that paint at Tractor Supply is much cheaper too...

 

[Phil]

Everyone I know that that runs an altnator or 12 volts has issues. Since my first Model a 50+ years ago my generators have been the least of my very few problems.

 

[AL in NY]

I have the best of both worlds with my new Russ Evans 50 amp, 6 volt, positive ground alternator built in a Model A generator housing. And it will pass fine point judging!!

If you don't like the "looks" of an alternator, get one of Russ Evans's units!!!

 

[al's28/33]

I have a Powerhouse Genny with Tom W.'s EVR unit as well as a unit from Russ Evans as a backup. The look of an original looking engine compartment cannot be beat. A modern alternator in an 85 year old car just doesn't look right. You might as well have a Pinto engine under your "A" hood.

 

[Fred]

I have had the same Power House generator & cut out on my 1928 since 1964 and have NEVER had a dead or cooked or low on water problem !! It sits in a NON-heated garage & yes I put a tender on it every winter...I did adjust its out-put one time...

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I have had the same Power House generator & cut out on my 1928 since 1964 and have NEVER had a dead or cooked or low on water problem !! It sits in a NON-heated garage & yes I put a tender on it every winter...I did adjust its out-put one time...

Good morning, Fred,
I'm glad you've had trouble free service. A tender seems to be very "kind" to a battery, as I believe they are only around 1/2 AMP output. A trickle charger continuously at 2 AMPS is tough on batteries! Are the Powerhouse generators thought to be superior to the stock, long generators & would my Early '29 Coupe have had one? Production date is 6-4-29, IF engine # *A1678152* (original stamping) matches the frame. It has NO firewall date. I admire the "unique" appearance of the Powerhouse. Bill W.

 

[jrelliott]

I am converting back to 6V and putting a correct Powerhouse Gen on the vehicle to make it correct for that year. Will add a Tom W's regulator to it before complete crossover. Have the 12V alternator with the excite wire so do not have to rev the engine to get charging. I just like the looks of the powerhouse over the alternator. One thing you cannot do with an alternator is a push start.

 

[Dale G.]

No one has suggested the voltage regulator that looks like a cut-out made by Fun Projects. This goes on the generator like the cut-out. I have used them for years and have worked for me.

 

[Fred]

Good morning, Fred,
I'm glad you've had trouble free service. A tender seems to be very "kind" to a battery, as I believe they are only around 1/2 AMP output. A trickle charger continuously at 2 AMPS is tough on batteries! Are the Powerhouse generators thought to be superior to the stock, long generators & would my Early '29 Coupe have had one? Production date is 6-4-29, IF engine # *A1678152* (original stamping) matches the frame. It has NO firewall date. I admire the "unique" appearance of the Powerhouse. Bill W.

First, Your coupe is not considered "EARLY", Its "MID" & yes it should have a P/H Generator on it.. They were used thru July,1929..

 

[Purdy Swoft]

No one has suggested the voltage regulator that looks like a cut-out made by Fun Projects. This goes on the generator like the cut-out. I have used them for years and have worked for me.

I use the Fun Projects can style regulators. See post number 11. I love them and they work flawlessly for me. I use the 12 volt positive ground version on my roadster. Actually They can be had in six, eight or twelve volt, in positive or negative ground.

 

[Milton]

....

Originally Posted by Milton
If you're buying the alternator from from a Model A vendor say about $140 plus shipping.

Brattons Part #14970 $199.00 Bracket 30.00
Mac's Part #: A10000A12 $139.95

From a normal parts dealer say $72 + $10 core plus tax.
Can't find a part number for a parts store single wire alt in 6 volts
My price was for 12v

Quick Start High Output Alternators # D110SiSE6V35P 6V 35 Amp 10Si Series Self Exciting (One-Wire) Positive Ground Alternator Price: $129.95

35 Amp, 6 Volt Delco Remy type 10Si series positive ground alternator with self exciting (one-wire) internal voltage regulator.

A generator will set you back $179 + $100 core + cutout $23 to $70 plus shipping.

Brattons Generator ( Part #14890 or 14880) 215.00 exchange.
Mac's Generator (Part #: A10000SN or A10000LN) $179.00 exchange

In my previous life I was a professional estimator. Since this was a quick quote I used Mac's online, it's easier.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Milton
If you're buying the alternator from from a Model A vendor say about $140 plus shipping.

Brattons Part #14970 $199.00 Bracket 30.00
Mac's Part #: A10000A12 $139.95

From a normal parts dealer say $72 + $10 core plus tax.
Can't find a part number for a parts store single wire alt in 6 volts
My price was for 12v

Quick Start High Output Alternators # D110SiSE6V35P 6V 35 Amp 10Si Series Self Exciting (One-Wire) Positive Ground Alternator Price: $129.95

35 Amp, 6 Volt Delco Remy type 10Si series positive ground alternator with self exciting (one-wire) internal voltage regulator.

A generator will set you back $179 + $100 core + cutout $23 to $70 plus shipping.

Brattons Generator ( Part #14890 or 14880) 215.00 exchange.
Mac's Generator (Part #: A10000SN or A10000LN) $179.00 exchange

In my previous life I was a professional estimator. Since this was a quick quote I used Mac's online, it's easier.

Thank you!! I feel it is important that we post the where we find the prices as they seem to be all over the place.

 

[Milton]

Wow, I like your thinking!! With that same mindset we could also put on fiberglass fenders because they are cheaper & easier to fix than steel, and while we're at it, maybe replace the wheels & tires with ones from a 70's Ford pick-up because they are ½ the price. Oh and instead of replacing the windows with glass, we could use sheet plastic because it is less money too, oh and we can use naugahyde reminants from WalMart for upholstery instead. Oh and that paint at Tractor Supply is much cheaper too...

I like your thinking also!! Better yet forget the fenders and call it a Speedster, maybe some 16" wheels and tires from a mid 30's Ford from E-bay because who cares about price. Glass... we don't need no stinking glass, this is a Speedster same for the naugahyde, who needs it, bare metal bomber seats, the only way to save. Oh yah, Home Depot sells paint in rattle cans.....

Now go re-read my original post and you will see I was contradicting a poster that stated alternators required deep pockets.

 

[hardtimes]

what to do?

Hey machine girl,
Well did you get anything usefull out of this ? Hopefully, this type of discussion doesn't scare you...and/or run you off! As you can see(read) it's all a matter of opinion/experience/attitude...or visee versee! Hmm, want to have some fun? Ask about what oil to use and why

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Hey machine girl,
Well did you get anything usefull out of this ? Hopefully, this type of discussion doesn't scare you...and/or run you off! As you can see(read) it's all a matter of opinion/experience/attitude...or visee versee! Hmm, want to have some fun? Ask about what oil to use and why

Or if an oil filter, air filter is needed, how about how often to change the oil, and if Vapor lock is real on a Model A.

OH, how about halogen bulbs, 12 volts and juice brakes.

 

[Fred]

I like your thinking also!! Better yet forget the fenders and call it a Speedster, maybe some 16" wheels and tires from a mid 30's Ford from E-bay because who cares about price. Glass... we don't need no stinking glass, this is a Speedster same for the naugahyde, who needs it, bare metal bomber seats, the only way to save. Oh yah, Home Depot sells paint in rattle cans.....

Now go re-read my original post and you will see I was contradicting a poster that stated alternators required deep pockets.

So you were contradicting me, Well if you READ post # 27 I think you will find the price of a CHEAP one @ $365.00 & another @ $900.00.. I can buy a gen. @ a flea market for $10.00, ($20.00) on E-bay & rebuild it for for less than the shipping cost of either one of the "DEEP POCKET ONES" that are not needed...