c2427

What needs to be done to make the gauge work correctly when switching from a generator to a alternator.

Thanks
CF

Pop Chevy

Some will say it works as is. I sent mine out (60) to be converted to a volt meter.

c2427

Thanks for the reply. Where did you send it?

Randy G.

I put a Powermaster 90 amp alternator (looks similar to original generator) on my '62. The amp meter hovers around +/- 10 amps all the time. I have a digital volt meter I bought off Amazon that plugs into the cigarette lighter if I want to know volts. Very happy with the results as the lights stay bright even when my SPAL puller fan kicks on.

1Y_

Randy,

Newbie here. I just upgraded my 1961 to a powegen. How did you handle the one wire install? Did you connect to the fused wire that was attached to the regulator or did you go to the starter? If so did you put a fuse or fusable link in that wire?

Thanks for your time!

Justin

Randy G.

I purchased the Powermaster lead wire from the alternator straight to the battery from Summit when I bought the alternator.

This is from Powermaster's web site on installation instructions Q&A:

"How do I hook up a one wire alternator?

Simply run a charge wire from the battery terminal on the alternator to the positive terminal on the battery. The one-wire regulator is a self-exciting regulator, meaning that it has sensing circuitry for alternator rotation. As the alternator starts to spin, this circuitry connects the internal voltage regulator to the battery and turns the alternator on. When the alternator comes to a complete stop, this same circuitry turns the alternator off."

1Y_

Gotcha...did you install a fusible link or fuse? I ask because the wire that was on the factory regulator had a fuse about 6" from it then the wire runs down the passenger fender through the firewall and I'm assuming to the Ammeter.

Randy G.

Nope. Just did what they said to do. I keep good insurance on it, though. Sure straightened out the night time dim lights and lazy turn signal issues.

EDIT: This car really needs to be rewired. When I got it it had issues that were bandaged up by the prior owner. I went through it and made repairs, but my intention is to get a new LL harness and make it right. For now I'm enjoying it as-is with no real issues.



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John BX NY

If you have a generator that works or can be fixed what does changing to a similar appearing alternator for $400 get you ?

Randy G.

I put a Spal electric fan on mine. The generator is too weak to keep up if you are doing parades or in traffic where the rpms are low for extended periods of time. I even put a Delco date tag on mine.








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