JayChicago
Well-known member
Then why go thru adding something you don't need, unless you just want a new project to keep you busy. "If it ain't broke, ........."
Alternator or not?
- Thread starter vtwinsideways
- Start date
Then why go thru adding something you don't need, unless you just want a new project to keep you busy. "If it ain't broke, ........."
vtwinsideways
Senior Member
As I said I have been lead to believe that alternators are safer and more reliable (by car guys in general and friends who have experienced electrical fires and cooked batteries) and I wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask folks who have actual experience with flatheads and generators and alternators. I'm asking for experienced opinions, not a fight.
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Roger/Sacramento
Senior Member
I converted to 12V and used a later model generator. It puts out enough to run bright lights at night or run the fan during the day. 
JayChicago
Well-known member
I apologize. My post should not have sounded so smug. Never anything wrong with asking others for advise and opinions.
Hal Beatty
Senior Member
Personally, I quit using generators on everything in the early 70's; put a Chrysler alternator and regulator on my '56 Ford and never looked back. I had enough trouble with generators and regulators prior to that to last a life-time...
vtwinsideways
Senior Member
We're not planning on showing it as a points truck, but I do want it to appear as close as possible to original. The wife plans on running it at the Newport Hill Climb and there's penalties added to your time for modifications and if it's too modified it will not be allowed to run, not that she'll be in the running for a trophy with this old truck, but who knows maybe someday.
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JSeery
Member Emeritus
That should answer the question, go with a generator.
philipswanson
Well-known member
Latter model alternators ruin the appearance of a flathead. Bone ugly! These look good but not necessary. I would stick to the generator. Carry a spare if worried. Alternators go out too, especially the diodes.
Tinker
Well-known member
No apologizes. or smug. Nothing wrong with asking or adding info. Someone will add. It's the process of learning. It's just the internet. Otherwise it would be one or two guys telling you that is how it is.
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expavr
Well-known member
You might want to consider an E.J.Whitney alternator. https://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html
I installed his 6V positive ground unit in the tonner. He uses the front and back of your core and the guts of a tractor alternator tucked inside a housing of his own design. It is a single wire alternator that uses the GEN BAT wire in the OEM harness. It looks like the Ford OEM generator.
I installed his 6V positive ground unit in the tonner. He uses the front and back of your core and the guts of a tractor alternator tucked inside a housing of his own design. It is a single wire alternator that uses the GEN BAT wire in the OEM harness. It looks like the Ford OEM generator.