I am considering converting my 1930 CCPU to a 12 Volt system. Can an alternator be purchased from a local auto supply store? If so, does someone have a part number for an alternator that would work well for conversion? Are mounting kits available to mount the alternator on a Model A engine?
12 Volt Alternator
- Thread starter A-Man
- Start date
LeroyM
Senior Member
Nice looking truck.
Here's a link to the bracket you would need to run a alternator, http://macsautoparts.com/alternator...ated-a10000brkt/camid/MDA/cp/JS0R3CHL1136801/
They also sell a 12 volt alternator with the bracket as a kit if you can't find one at a local auto parts store that will work. Here's the link to that, http://macsautoparts.com/alternator...0-amp-a10000a12/camid/MDA/cp/JS0R3CHL1065244/
I've heard of some that run flathead V8's will use the GM 1 wire alternator, you might want to look into that.
Here's a link to the bracket you would need to run a alternator, http://macsautoparts.com/alternator...ated-a10000brkt/camid/MDA/cp/JS0R3CHL1136801/
They also sell a 12 volt alternator with the bracket as a kit if you can't find one at a local auto parts store that will work. Here's the link to that, http://macsautoparts.com/alternator...0-amp-a10000a12/camid/MDA/cp/JS0R3CHL1065244/
I've heard of some that run flathead V8's will use the GM 1 wire alternator, you might want to look into that.
MAG
Well-known member
The answer is YES you can buy a 12 volt alternator from a local parts store and it will be a Negative Ground alternator. You will have to change the polarity of the Model A electrical system or have the alternator converrted to Postive ground. The pulley will not fit a Model A belt and you will have to order one from one of the vendors. A mounting bracket will have to be bought or fabricated. And care must be taken to assure proper belt alignment. The choice will have to be made for either a 1 wire (self exiting) or a external switch to excite the alternator. Think it over carefully.
jrelliott
Well-known member
If you are real industrious you can go to a auto parts store and purchase a rebuilt altenator for ealy 70's GM vehicle with less than 60A and pay the core charge. You can then go to NAPA or on line and find the conversion kit to change to a 1 wire system. Note if it is 1 wire will not start charging immediately as need to get some rpms up before will start charging. You can install an exciter switch to jump the alternator into charging immediately. You just flip the swithc momentarily to excite the field. You can purchase the bracket and pulley as mentioned before from a Model A vendor ie Synders, Bratton's, and others. You can also make a bracket from a rear spring shackel by using the two outside pieces. If you would like have a chart of all the bulbs and candle power for each application on the Model A. Send me your email address if intrested.
I put in the 70's GM one-wire self exciting alternator with the mounting kit from Brattons and it works fine, even without changing the pulley. As noted above, you do have to rev up the engine a bit to start charging, but that is really not a problem. It charges as soon as you start normal driving. Once it starts charging, it will maintain charging at idle.
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
DO NOT have your 12 volt alternator converted to positive ground. There is no advantage to 12 volt positive ground and most of the modern electronics will not work on positive ground. Also, if you need another alternator later you will have to have it converted to positive ground (not a quick job if you are stuck out on the road).
Charlie Stephens
Charlie Stephens