Alternator Conversion Opinions

nondem

Member
I've got a 1952 Side Mount that I've already put a 12v coil on and have a 12v battery in. When I got it - it had the same setup but with a 6v coil and resister. I've been just charging the battery after use to avoid replacing the original 6v charging system. Not only because it's cheaper :) but because it has the OEM Genny and I don't generally like the idea of taking OEM stuff off these old tractors because more and more of them are become less and less original. I've got a front mount (1950) that I'm going to keep close to OEM but this 1952 is gonna be my worker so it's time to commit to making it a usable one. It was apparently totally rebuilt at some point in the last few decades because it's much tighter feeling overall than the 1950. The pump doesn't even knock :)

I've read several threads about the many ways a 12v alternator can be installed(1 wire etc)....I don't mean to rehash old debates but I was hoping to start a discussion on a specific kit that would be recommended. I see there are lots of kits out there - including this site and many on ebay. Most are around $100 which I like.

Please weigh-in w/any thoughts and recommendations - I'm all ears.
 
I never have used a kit. If you figure you can buy a Delco 10si for around $45 plus a $10 core. A pack of diodes Radio shack 3276-1661 for another $2.50 you have maybe $60 if you have to buy some wire tied up in that job. Now if you want it to look right you can also use a 12 volt generator and you can have the one you have rebuild to do that
 
I though of that - but then there is the bracket to deal with, and the kits come with a premade(clean looking) wiring harness.


 
Side mounts make for a nice clean dependable conversion... Before I tell you how I would do it tell me if your wiring on the tractor is in good condition...
 
Well, it was pretty crappy, but I have put a new harness/keyswitch on it already(6v type)....and the kits I'm considering have new harnesses with them so I would assume it doesn't matter?


I'm not opposed to doing something different though :)


 
You have already got it cobbled from original, what
difference is an alternator that will charge it
properly make? If you would rather charge it every
time thats your perogative.
 
The bracket is easy also you just use a long piece of 3/8 all tread and set the alternator forward of the stock bracket. By the way that part number should read #276-1661. As for the wiring I do my own but then again I was a Navy Electronics Technician and repaired computers and such when I was in so that too is easy
 
you can save a bundle and forget the kit.

the alt itself can be had for as little as 35$ from an auto store.

the lower gen bracket on a side mount is the basis for a lower bracket for the alt.

you can buy an generic upper bracket from a auto store.. one with a mount hole and a slot.. or just cut your own, then mount up.. make sure belt and pulley are correct.

if your wireing is a birdsnest.. simply rewire...

5-6' of wire handles a regular N setup.

if it was me.. I'd avoid the 1 wire jobs.. and go 3 wire. besides.. many times the 1 wire jobs cost mor ethan a 3 wire.. and on a 3 wire.. it's really a 2 wire as 1 of the 3 wires is 2" long...
 
Thanks for the input...I've looked around for the three wire in kit form but no luck so far. Looks like all the "kits" include one-wire alternators...including the one on this site...or did I miss something?

I realize this could be done w/o a kit - but the kits are running $100ish...The ones I'm seeing come w/new harness, pulley, the alternator, ballast resister(not needed for me), the correct nuts and bolts, and brackets. I've got an assortment of stuff around here to maybe find what I need but it would only take one trip to town for some part of the puzzle to cover the added cost of a kit....not to mention the hassle factor. My wife gives me "the look" when I take too long in the nut/bolt section of the hardware place :)

I've got no problem paying more for the "correct" three wire conversion if it comes in a kit.

 
(quoted from post at 09:03:21 01/12/13) Thanks for the input...I've looked around for the three wire in kit form but no luck so far. Looks like all the "kits" include one-wire alternators...including the one on this site...or did I miss something?

I realize this could be done w/o a kit - but the kits are running $100ish...The ones I'm seeing come w/new harness, pulley, the alternator, ballast resister(not needed for me), the correct nuts and bolts, and brackets. I've got an assortment of stuff around here to maybe find what I need but it would only take one trip to town for some part of the puzzle to cover the added cost of a kit....not to mention the hassle factor. My wife gives me "the look" when I take too long in the nut/bolt section of the hardware place :)

I've got no problem paying more for the "correct" three wire conversion if it comes in a kit.

I was gonna tell ya what you needed to roll your own but a trained killer posted using all thread and theirs no way I could beat that recommendation :lol:,,, Kit,,, if you go kit form use a TISCO kit its the only supplier I know of that offers the correct pulley (I am not sure pulley # 98NAA5825 which is the correct pulley comes in their kit) and their alt bracket supplied is Superior to any other I have seen...

TISCO Bracket set up



http://ytforums.ytmag.com/viewtopic.php?t=713707&highlight=bracket
 
unfortunately I've not seen a 3 wire in a kit.

however I have seen many 1 wire jobs that will function as 3 wire if you hook then up as 3 wire.
 
(quoted from post at 01:09:04 01/13/13) unfortunately I've not seen a 3 wire in a kit.

however I have seen many 1 wire jobs that will function as 3 wire if you hook then up as 3 wire.

Yer buddy the trained killer should be able to tell us zackly how to use the existing wiring are a replacement new 6V harness to make a 3 wire alt werk...

I challenge him to explain how to do it :D For getting is not a option...
 
I'm not opposed to doing something different though :)

I would run a 3 wire alternator with an "idiot" light , then replace the unneeded amp gauge with a useful temp gauge .

The idiot light will go out when the alternator starts working so you know the system is good , and it will remind you to turn the key off and save your points .

Win - Win situation .
 
You can save a few bucks and the the 3 wire alt local. Then order the mounting brackets from here or other Tisco suppliers.

Rick
 

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