12 Volt Generator?

HPMotors · Apr 4, 2018

Hello all, newbie here.
I have a Ford 601 Workmaster which I've owned for over 20 years. It has been a work tractor, purchased as a non running tractor. Motor rebuilt, clutch etc so mechanically it is in good shape but cosmetically a bit challenged so I am starting to do a mild restoration of the old thing. One aspect of many old tractors which has always looked out of place to me is the use of alternators. Mine has an alternator. It works, just doesn't jive with a 59.

My question is this. Has anyone had an original 6 volt generator rewound/modified so that it put out 12 volts? Is this feasible? I like the 12 volt kick on the starter, which is the reason for the question. Basically I want it to LOOK original but with a bit of improvement.

Apologies if this has been covered previously. I did a search on the site and didn't find anything - probably used the wrong search term if it is there already.

Thanks for any tips!
Henry

JMOR · Apr 4, 2018

Simplest route for you would be to use generator from a diesel Workmaster, as those are 12v. But, yes, good re-builder shops can convert them from 6 to 12.

WayneIA · Apr 4, 2018

It will be kinda expensive but it can be done at the local electrical repair shop. Or the l00 series diesels were factory equipt with a 12 generator. Might find one at a salvage yard.

pomester · Apr 4, 2018

I agree with your observations about alternators/generators and add that the generator is a more rugged, lower profile unit.

I have two 9XX's with reworked generators putting out 12v - I recommend it. I also have an alternator conversion and an original 6v tractor.

I have a generator shop a half hour away that does this conversion, as I recall 10 years ago or more it was $200 for them to rework my unit (complete overhaul with new bearings, brushes, and such) and provide me with a 12v regulator, everything bolted into place with no modifications to the wiring harness. The diesel 12v generator has been mentioned, remember to get the regulator also.

Colin King · Apr 4, 2018

I agree with you about the look of the generator versus the alternator. However, the quality of the voltage regulators is so inconsistent that the piece of mind offered by the alternator seems well worth it to me.

All of the diesels in the x01 series had 12 volt generators. Also, the early thousand series would also have had generators. Lucas is what I have seen. I have one in my shop that works and has about 18 hours on a rebuild that I would be willing to part with. It's off a 961. My email is open if you're interested.

Colin, MN

Sean in PA · Apr 5, 2018

(quoted from post at 09:27:24 04/04/18) It will be kinda expensive but it can be done at the local electrical repair shop. Or the l00 series diesels were factory equipt with a 12 generator. Might find one at a salvage yard.

There were no hundred series diesels. The '01 series diesels were 12 volts.

wjytexas · Apr 6, 2018

I've done 3. A 57 MF, a 54 NAA, and a 54 TO 30. I do buy a good regulator and internally ballasted coil so it all adds up $$. But like you say, it LOOKS more original. I had no problems with any of them.

blue_tractor_man · Apr 6, 2018

I got tired of replacing junky foreign made voltage regulators, so I bought an electronic unit from Clover Systems. Small enough to mount under the original voltage regulator cover. New to me so not enough time testing. Should be better than the mechanical unit.

ericlb · Apr 6, 2018

i know for a fact that 1957 chevy trucks had 12 volt generators, i restored a complete untouched farm truck several years ago which had one on it , i suspect today those are very hard to find

12 Volt Generator?

HPMotors

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JMOR

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WayneIA

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pomester

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Colin King

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Sean in PA

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wjytexas

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blue_tractor_man

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ericlb

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