Finned alum Alternator Cover ??

Robert Dip

Robert Dip

Senior Member
Have a 4 banger in my '32 Coupe with a modern GM alternator. The alt is totally out of place with the original stuff & speed equipment. The PowerGen alt is shorter than the conventional generator, but still longer than my existing alternator. I only have a 1/2" of play left, so the only way would be to find a nostalgia style finned alternator cover to mask off the look. Does this animal exist...have not found after quite a few searches. Thks.....Robert
 
Can't picture in my mind what you have to work with. But sometimes you can make them less obstrusive by mounting them low around the crank pulley area.

Jack E/NJ
 
PeteVS said:
Did Vern Tardel have them? I just checked his website and came up dry.
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I don't know if Vern still has the aluminum generator covers. They are handsome but specifically sized and shaped for the Ford generator and might prove difficult to adapt to an alternator.

Mike
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mikebishop>>>I don't know if Vern still has the aluminum generator covers. They are handsome >>>

Handsome? Maybe.

Out of place? Yep.

Jack E/NJ
 
Jack E/NJ.....definitely out of place on the gen....does look weird. But, to cover my GM alt...I'll take anything.
Fordor41.....As for a smaller alternator....still would not look the part unless it did look like some sort of generator. ...Robert
 
Somebody out there is sticking the smaller alternators into either an old Ford Generator housing or a custom made new "housing" that will make it look like a generator.
 
PeteVS said:
Somebody out there is sticking the smaller alternators into either an old Ford Generator housing or a custom made new "housing" that will make it look like a generator.
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Yes, I heard of this too. I think they are Nissan alt. into Ford cases. They are out there, but I don't think they are cheap.
 
I think you guys are referring to the Powergen Alternator which the poster mentioned at the beginning of the thread. Speedway carries the Powergen alt for $369 plus another $169 for the finned cover. That's a lot of money for a retro look. Maybe a chrome cover that you could distress or modify someway could be made for the look that you're after. Bob
 
Robert Dip said:
Have a 4 banger in my '32 Coupe with a modern GM alternator. The alt is totally out of place with the original stuff & speed equipment. The PowerGen alt is shorter than the conventional generator, but still longer than my existing alternator. I only have a 1/2" of play left, so the only way would be to find a nostalgia style finned alternator cover to mask off the look. Does this animal exist...have not found after quite a few searches. Thks.....Robert
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You ween't very specific about your engine. I am running a 180 Mercruiser Marine engine in my '32 roadster and using a generator from a 1962 to 1965 (approx?) Chevy II 4 cylinder. The generator bracket from the 6 cylinder is probably the same.

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie S....sorry bout that....the 4 banger I mentioned is an original '32 Ford 4 cylinder with a 'Riley Racing' 4 port overhead intake valve conversion, 3 x 97's, etc..and as seen by the photo, no room for a PowerGen. Robert
 

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Robert Dip said:
Charlie S....sorry bout that....the 4 banger I mentioned is an original '32 Ford 4 cylinder with a 'Riley Racing' 4 port overhead intake valve conversion, 3 x 97's, etc..and as seen by the photo, no room for a PowerGen. Robert
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What about the other side of the engine? Is that where the compressor for your AC is located?

Charlie Stephens
 
paul2748 said:
How about painting it flat black? Less obtrusive.
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Paul's comment is good. Another possibility would be a "factory finish" alternator. Just bead blasted aluminum. The super shiny thing is what (in my mind) makes it look out of place.
 
That is a beautifull engine, I think a smaller alternator from Toyota or something like that would be the best bet. How about a pic of the whole car with the hood off. Walt
 
Another option would be to have an original generator rebuilt as an alternator by Ed Whitney, (714) 773-1611. He offers a polished aluminum case as an option.
 
I posted this also in the HAMB in the traditional Hot Rod section, and one came out with the idea of using older Chrysler alternator. Best idea so far, sure looks different than the sbc alt that we see too many of. Lots of fins and looks like it might belong with what I have. The engine has lots of polished alum, jet hot coatings, and chrome. Who says you can't make 'ole 4 bangers' look good. Flat black would not cut it here. I did a research and this photo is from 'Tuff Stuf'. I got burnt with their 'stuff' years back, but with their increased business, maybe the quality improved. The more I look at it, the more it appeals to me. Robert
 

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The Chrysler alternator debuted with the 1960 models. That's 54 years ago! That's good enough for me to be considered a "period piece."
 
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