Which way would you go?

Blu Dice

Blu Dice

Senior Member
I can get my 6 volt generator rebuilt or buy a alternator conversion kit from Mac's for nearly the same price - which way would you go. I don't really care about originality - just drivability in daytime and night time.
 
For originality, the rebuilt 6v generator, for performance an alternator. However, if you are referring to a conventional style alternator I don't like the looks of them on a flathead motor. To me they look totally out of place. If going with an alternator, I would use one that looks like a generator on the outside.
 
I don't raise the hood very offen - so I really don't care how it looks under the hood - I enjoy driving the car as much as possible - it's the GM style alternator from Mac's.
 
Dont use Mac's Alternator unless you plan to use a Master switch. I have had the alternators they sell in their kit run batteries dead. Buy their bracket, and then buy a quality "self exciting" alternator.
 
35fordtn said:
Dont use Mac's Alternator unless you plan to use a Master switch. I have had the alternators they sell in their kit run batteries dead. Buy their bracket, and then buy a quality "self exciting" alternator.
Click to expand...

Sounds odd - why does this happen?
 
The Mac's alternator or at least some of them, are cheaply made and sometimes stay "on" or ignited even when not spinning thus running the battery dead. I have installed 9 of them and had issues with 5 of the 9. I purchased a quality one on eBay for around $160 that has been a blessing
 
Not to reroute your thoughts, but a properly rebuilt generator will provide years of reliable service. The only reason I swapped to a alternator on a couple cars, was due to the Halogen bulbs I installed that had a very high draw. The powergen Is really worth every penny as well. My 37 has one.
 
35fordtn

The problem with your alternator would Indicate you have a bad diode in your rectifier bridge or one is bad in your diode trio, if one is bad in the rectifier bridge your output will be deminised you will only have 2/3 rds your rated output.


Regards,
Brian
 
$180 is fair is they do a good job... The thing I hate about most rebuilt generators is theyt simply spray paint them.. I HATE pitting with a passion. Last week I rebuilt my first generator. I did it my self only so that I could learn, and use good paint and fill in any pitting. It is the generator on the engine below. Maybe you could try it yourself? It is always fun to learn new hands on things.

IMG_2227.jpg
 
I put a Mac's alt. on my 51 about 5 years ago and I would never go back to a generator. The overdrive never fails to kick in and the head lights work much better.
I know of 3 other cars in our V8 club with the same conversion and none have had any problems.
 
Had a Powermaster alternator on the F-1 for a couple of years now. No problems - looks original. Would do it again.
 
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