R3 Generator - cutout, voltage .....

Pdgx

Pdgx

Member
I have a Ford R3 generator believed to be a ‘37 or ‘38, that was recently rebuilt - bearings, brushes, armature etc.
I have yet to get a new cutout due to needing 12v to power the conversion bulbs for the carbide headlights.
I am not familiar with this vintage generator so I have a couple of -

Questions:
1. Are all generators of this vintage positive ground by design, or does the cutout and wiring dictate + or - ground ?
2. Can the conversion regulators from Fun Projects ( http://www.funprojects.com/products/10505r.aspx ) be used to get 12v from this generator ?
3. If so, positive or negative ground ?

There is no starter, and ignition is via magneto, so electrical usage is minimal with only lights and ammeter.

Would appreciate your input.
 
All Fords of that vintage are 6-volt positive ground including tractors like the 9N. I would have to ask what application this generator is for? Magnetos are generally only used on stationary engines and tractors.

The old 3-brush generators depend on the battery for the voltage that they will operate at. Their output is generally very low from 15 to 20-amps so they won't give a lot of power output for accessories or the like. They will keep the battery charged though. Amperage output adjustments of the 3rd brush will require an ammeter in the circuit to get output set. A modern diode type cut-out replacement should work to control the generator on and off function. I would use it on 6-volts just to be safe with it. They will work on 12-volts but I don't know how reliable it would be. Many a model T has been set up for 12-volts.

If a person wants 12-volts, it would be a better bet to go with a later 2-brush type with a voltage regulator. It would be more reliable anyway and it would give 30 to 35 amps of output. It just depends on your application and what you want to do with it.
 
This generator is on a ‘22 Mack Truck. The mag is a stand-alone Bosch.

So would the 12v positive ground voltage regulator work for this with the minor 12v light draw ?? I understand the 3rd brush will need to be adjusted.

Just want to confirm THIS generator will not work with a negative ground circuit.

Thx
 
Generators can work either negative or positive to ground. All you have to do is polarize which way you want it to work. FUN PROJECTS voltage regulators and cut outs appear to not be making anything at the moment. The company was sold a couple of years ago and since then nothing has been available. Regards, Kevin.
 
Your desired generator will put out either 6 volts or 12 volts, either polarity, depending on battery used. Simply polarise generator to suit....As Fun Projects regulators are not currently [pun] available, use a diode inside the original cutout housing, unless you can find a 12 volt cutout.
Your truck sounds COOL.
 
I used a 12v pos regulator from Fun projects for many years. The problem is that you will need to adjust amps with the 3rd brush to around 9 amps maximum. The reg finally went bad, perhaps 'cause i was was driving at night too much with it...who knows. Can't hurt to try Fun Projects but I'd take the advice of Kevin and others . Terry
 
John Regan sold his business to the Folks at Birdhaven Vintage Auto Supply some time ago. They also purchased Texas T parts so it's a wonder that they have been able to keep up with things in these trying times. They have been supplying restoration parts suppliers and may have had problems getting electrical components.

The voltage regulators have been available for different voltages and different polarities for some time but there are cautions for these units. They can be damaged if not connected correctly or if the battery is disconnected from the system while in operation so folks have to be careful with them. There used to be several others fabricating voltage regulators for the Model A cylinder shaped generators that were fit inside the generator and use a diode or cut-out for switch control. I don't know if any of these are still available or not.

Many model Ts have conversions to 12-volt negative ground systems so I know it has been done but it may take some persistance to get what you want.
 
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I did make contact with the Fun Projects people.

They could not give an estimated delivery date if it was ordered, as they said their supplier would not give them one even if it was ordered from him. They did give a PN to order, but then their system would not allow it to be paid for and would bomb out.

So, looking for another route to get 12v.
 
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I sent Fun Projects a couple of emails a month or so ago and they did not bother to reply to my inquiry. So why the hell do they keep their website on line if they never intend to supply these items anymore? They bought the original company several years ago and have not done anything with it. Very annoying i think. Regards, Kevin.
 
For what it's worth, I had my 3 brush generator exchanged for a similar one that was converted to 2 brush and 12v. I kept this type of gen so i could still attach the fan to the
generator pulley. Then I went with a 12v regulator (a Bosch) that i hid under the dash board. Put a cut-out on top of the generator (just for looks). This has been working well for me. Terry
 
Maybe post your question on the Model A side, I know there are people over there
that run the stock generator with 12V battery.
 
PMs are answered right on the PM when you receive one. Since it's private, no one else will see it but the receiver and the sender. It is a separate system within the system.
 
rotorwrench said:
PMs are answered right on the PM when you receive one. Since it's private, no one else will see it but the receiver and the sender. It is a separate system within the system.
Click to expand...

Yes I know that, but it wouldn’t allow me to send a reply to a PM without a minimum of 9 posts on the forum, hence posts 7-9.

7 - Happy
8 - New
9 - Year
 
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