voltage regulator????

J

jhowes

Well-known member
Tom W. may have the answer to this one as it is not Model A. My son has a 37 chevy truck that has the resistor on the light switch to allow the generator to produce more voltage when the headlights are on. The resistor is broken and we are wondering if there is a source for them or if Toms regulator can be mounted on the generator making the resistor obsolete? Thanks, Jack
 
You might try going to Vintage Chevrolet Club of America's web site and sign up. The teck section can be used by non members of the club.
My basic understanding of how a resistor in this situation works is;
The resistor is a voltage limiting device, as more current flows to the switch it get hotter limiting the output keeping the voltage at for example a steady 6 volts to the headlights. I am pretty sure the regulator and the resisters do different things in the system, the resister is being used to prevent spikes and keep the head lights the same brightness all the time while running.
 
I'd think the resistor is in the circuit when the lights are off, thus cutting back the voltage feeding the field windings.
When the lights are turned on the resistor is bypassed and the generator puts out more amps.
Someone must have a good resistor or at least know the value in ohms, so you can replace it.
 
Where is the resistor on the light switch and what is it connected to? I have a vehicle that has a resistor, which is just a small coil of wire, on the rear of the light switch. It's only function is to produce a voltage drop when the head lights are on low beam, thereby reducing their brightness. The head lights use a single filament bulb. On high beam, the resistor is omitted from the circuit, causing full voltage to be provide to the lights. A primitive method of providing high and low beam lights.
 
29vintage said:
Where is the resistor on the light switch and what is it connected to? I have a vehicle that has a resistor, which is just a small coil of wire, on the rear of the light switch. It's only function is to produce a voltage drop when the head lights are on low beam, thereby reducing their brightness. The head lights use a single filament bulb. On high beam, the resistor is omitted from the circuit, causing full voltage to be provide to the lights. A primitive method of providing high and low beam lights.
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I haven't seen a resistor to dim the headlights. What vehicle is this?

Many light switches also have a resistor coil to dim the instrument lights.
 
I have tried the Chevy site's and have not received any useful reply. I am wondering if a VR like Tom makes will work and adjust the output of the generator as conditions require. Jack
 
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