Regarding Diode Cutout Conversions......

leo

leo

Well-known member
Bratton's has a diode conversion kit for original cutouts. Is this a viable product and is the conversion process difficult? It seems inexpensive to do the conversion instead of spending $46 for a new cutout with a diode.
 
Pretty foolproof. The kit should be accompanied by instructions which I found real easy to follow using basic tools. The diode will only let current flow one direction.
 
I have used the diode conversion from Brattons on original cutouts with good results. instructions are included and Its not that hard to do. The old cutout must first be gutted and you will need to do some soldering, I use rosin core solder. The original cut out will keep its original look and there will be no points to stick. The one on my 31 tudor has been trouble free for 11 years. The old repro cutouts are different, the instructions are for the original cutout . The diodes can be used with a repro cut out but you will have to improvise, as far as the instructions are conserned. Snyders has a Diode conversion for $2.95 , This diode looks completely different from the one that Bratton sells but works good also.
 
Diodes i beleive are an electrical tap. allows current to flow one way, I have used them for years with no problems, However there are positive & negitive ones so if you have switched polarity which often one does if converting to 12 volt , ie neg earth then you need the correct polarity diode, Correct me if i an wrong,
 
If you gut an original cutout someone was looking for the coil to use for examination to make notes for rewinding.
 
I've used the diode kit from Bratton's since 1993 and it works just fine. Mounted in an original cutout. As stated, easy to follow instructions. Biggest task is breaking the solder joint that holds cover to the cutout.
 
I made my own many years ago(30+) with a common delco alternator diode (used), I gutted the windings and drilled the relay frame and pressed it in

To loosen the spot welds holding the cover on I use a dremel to cut them away from inside the base area to leave the cover undamaged.
 
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Diodes i beleive are an electrical tap. allows current to flow one way, I have used them for years with no problems, However there are positive & negitive ones so if you have switched polarity which often one does if converting to 12 volt , ie neg earth then you need the correct polarity diode, Correct me if i an wrong, "


if it is just a diode, When using a negitive ground system just wire the diode in the circuit backwards according to the instructions.
 
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I just bought the cutout with the diode already in it, but I didn't know that I already had a Nu-Rex diode cutout in a box........so now I have two!
 
After the diode conversion is done are there any bench tests which will show that everything was done correctly and the unit is functional?
 
Yes, just connect a battery powered continuity tester or ohm meter to the two cutout terminals, then reverse the two wires. The test light should light in one direction, but not when the wires are reversed, or the ohm meter should read 0 ohms in one direction only. Neither cutout terminal should show continuity to the case (ground). Remember, the diode gets hot and needs a good heat sink. A&L makes a quality diode cutout with a good sized heat sink. I like to use good original cutouts.
 
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Ever seen a diode installed without a cutout to hold it?
 
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