rfitz
- Thread starter rfitzpatrick
- Start date
Settle down, kids. There are pros and cons both ways. I appreciate those who prefer historical accuracy over convenience, but I don't turn my back on progress. The three-relay regulator was a huge advance in automobile charging systems, and so was the alternator. Once installed you can pretty well forget it. One day down the road it will puff, but so will a generator, or cutout, or battery.
TomballMottershaw
Member
I like them both, but if you need more than 20Amp of current, at 6 volts: that's 120 watts,
the stock ford generator can't deliver it, the Alternator can.
The Ford's stock version of a generator had weak capacity, and no regulator.
with an the alternator's additional Amp capacity, you can power "extra" lights, chargers, turn signals on and on, but it is ugly. & current regulation.
the alternators I have seen produces crude DC current, many accessories can not use the power without some extra cleaning first.
So can a Model A stock looking generator, be built to as reliably produce say 30 Amps @ 6V of "clean power" ? is there one already setup for this ?
the stock ford generator can't deliver it, the Alternator can.
The Ford's stock version of a generator had weak capacity, and no regulator.
with an the alternator's additional Amp capacity, you can power "extra" lights, chargers, turn signals on and on, but it is ugly. & current regulation.
the alternators I have seen produces crude DC current, many accessories can not use the power without some extra cleaning first.
So can a Model A stock looking generator, be built to as reliably produce say 30 Amps @ 6V of "clean power" ? is there one already setup for this ?
Purdy Swoft
Well-known member
As I said in post number 10 , I prefer the look and function of the original generator .The unmodified generator will also function perfectly on 12 volts and charge the battery well on a model A that is used as original with no or very few high amp draw accessories .I have never had one of the generators that I've overhauled fail I've had ywo alternators fail . I have run my roadster on 12 volts for 12 years and never had a problem . I run my roadster as original with positive ground and I didn't need to change a single wire. I run the Pertronix flame thrower , three OHM coil with wonderfull results . I use the Fun Projects can style 12 volt version voltage regulator . I set the third adjustable brush in the generator for a 10 amp maximum charge. The regulator cycles amperage on demand , similar to a modern and will only allow maximum 10 amp charge on demand . I use the the 35 watt 12V headlamp bulbs that fit the original sockets and they work well. We don't drive much at night but the 35 w bulbs are brighter than the original style 50 cp bulbs and don't seem to dim at idle like the 50 cp bulbs . We don't use our model A's for primary transportation and this 12 volt setup works as well as the original 6 volt system or better !!! I get the advantage of super fast starts and a strong dependable electrical system. Good 12 volt batteries are readily available . The battery is out of sight and there is no visible change to the original electrical system . The can style voltage regulator is available with Ford script and the black epoxy filled flame thrower coil looks like most replacement coils . I have always considered this 12 volt setup to be the best of both worlds .
Purdy Swoft
Well-known member
The original model A generator can't put out 30 amps unless a different armature is used , this goes for 6 or 12 volts. A few years ago, Bratton's offered a 60 amp amature . I never tried the 60 amp armature and it is no longer offered, guess I put it off for too long. As far as I know , there is no 30 amp model A look alike generator offered . There is an alternator offered that looks like a model A generator but it is too expensive for my use .
woofa.express
Well-known member
I changed to an 6V alternator with inbuilt regulator and now intend to go with LED lighting.
I have inadvertently left lights on and had flat battery thus the alternator. However, the generator will start a charge instantly when hand cranked and of course the alternator won't. That was my only reservation. I'm considering fitting a power isolation switch.
I have inadvertently left lights on and had flat battery thus the alternator. However, the generator will start a charge instantly when hand cranked and of course the alternator won't. That was my only reservation. I'm considering fitting a power isolation switch.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Absolutely. Just use any fan cooled generator and regulator from about 1940 to 1955, and you'll have a 6 volt generator with a 5/8" wide belt, and it can produce 35 amps.
KenCoupe
Senior Member
I had a generator in my coupe. It was supposed to have been rebuilt by an experienced professional. I also had a voltage regulator on it. On a tour, we found it was not charging so we opened it up to see what was going on. All the wires were frayed and couldn't be easily repaired on the road. We were able to get home without the battery charging. I decided to put a 6 volt alternator in and it has been fine since (several years.) I will rebuild the generator one day.
It makes no difference on the road if you have a 6 volt generator or 6 volt alternator. Let's say we are going to the Reno convention from Southern California. The only auto parts stores I found in a Google search is a Napa store in Lone Pine, CA and another in Bishop, CA. I searched the Napa website and they have no 6 volt alternators listed, so I doubt the store in Lone Pine or Bishop would have one either. If you have converted to 12 volt, you probably can find a replacement alternator on the road.
Just my thoughts and experience. Others may have other experiences.
It makes no difference on the road if you have a 6 volt generator or 6 volt alternator. Let's say we are going to the Reno convention from Southern California. The only auto parts stores I found in a Google search is a Napa store in Lone Pine, CA and another in Bishop, CA. I searched the Napa website and they have no 6 volt alternators listed, so I doubt the store in Lone Pine or Bishop would have one either. If you have converted to 12 volt, you probably can find a replacement alternator on the road.
Just my thoughts and experience. Others may have other experiences.