thoyer

Armature looks pretty worn. Generator was giving off a nice odor after a short drive today. It is charging though.

Time to be replaced?

Recommended places to get one?

Tom

Pilot Dan

All you need is to turn the commutator and install a new set of brushes.

thoyer

Dan,

I had this apart about a month ago and installed new bearings and brushes. It seemed to be working well through the engine start up and tuning. I just got the insurance and registration this past week so I was able to drive it on the road this weekend. Yesterday I put about 8 miles on it and nothing major other then some squeeks and rattles. Today I drove it to the gas station and back, maybe 5 miles round trip, pulled in the garage and there was a strong electrical type smell coming from the back end of the generator. I didn't know if this wear could contribute to the smell.

I know of a local alternator shop, maybe they can turn it for me.

Tom

Frankie the Fink

The old guy that does my starters and alternators here in Orlando said that they don't do generators any more, but since I was a regular customer he would rebuild mine when it ever needed it. Most of these shops can do this work.

DZAUTO

Tom,
I have to agree with Dan.
If there are no shorts in the armature or in the field coil windings, then have the commutator turned (this was a normal procedure when generators were in regular use) and install new brushes and bearings.
ANY good generator-alternator-starter shop that has been around for a long time can turn the armature and check the field coils. Put it back together and it should be fine. Once installed, BEFORE attempting to start it, polarize the generator at the voltage regulator, and it will be good for many more years. For no more electrical load than these cars require (lights, radio, heater, ign), a healthy generator is more than sufficient to supply the needed power.

Tom Parsons

Pilot Dan

You replaced the bearings, so you probably used the NEWER sealed type (though you can still get the old type). The sealed ones are greased with heavy grease at the time of manufcture SO, you don't use any other lubrication through the oil filler caps anymore since it has no place to go but inside the generator now. I suspect you are smelling some oil or grease that got in there. If it is functioning (charging) normally, drive it for a while and my bet is the smell will go away when the oil burns off. Pilot Dan

stellar

Take it to the old guy. It will need undercut as well as turned on the lathe. It is well worn. The old guy will be able to tell you if there is enough copper left for a good cut and still be reliable.

1snake

New armatures are still available for around $100 if you end up needing one.

Jim

DZAUTO

WHERE?????????????????

Tom Parsons

1snake

ANY auto electric business. I replaced one in my friends 59 last year. I called two different places in town. One said "I can have it here tomorrow", the other said "I have one on the shelf". Less than $100 including tax. It's the same armature as the power steering generators of days gone by.

Jim

jim lockwood

Are you saying these are brand new? Or could it be they are just re-conditioned originals?

Jim

1snake

I really don't know if it was new or re-conditioned. If re-conditioned, they did a perfect job as the windings, coating and commutator were all new. There was no core required which is usually the case with rebuilt parts. Either way, it makes no difference.

Jim

Jim_er

Another source would be an Electric motor rebuild company. I had mine rebuilt this way because it was beyond turning. I went this route because I found new and rebuilt generators but not a tach drive. This was awhile ago so I don't know a realistic cost at todays prices anymore or even a good guess.

Jimmer

69ttop502

This just happened to my 62's original generator. It was certainly a very distinct smell. Needed a new armature. Found a guy here on Long Island. Did a great job, generator looks like new. Cost me 135.00 dollars. Checked my VR as well.

zangx1

Call this guy Bill at BLNorton
Co. 616 677 1208 they do
it all.

muncieman

I think I have a couple of these laying around the shop, I use alt. so they are of little use to me. I would be willing to let them go cheap in as in condition.

I need to look tomorrow and make sure.

thoyer

PM me and let me know what you have.

Thanks,

Tom

muncieman

Will do

oldskydog

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delco...item519a5a2593

Dad's '59 C1

Speaking of generators...If you do not have sealed bearings what kind of lube do you put in the little holes on the front and back????
I would guess mine (1959) has never had any added, probably about time to!