Open faced alternators

344870M · September 7th, 2009, 08:10 PM

Is it an absolute that 442's (1970) came with the open face alternator? I have seen so many low mileage cars that do not have this type of alt. I realize that that 40 years ago we didn't have 100k spark plugs and such, but I can't believe how many parts failed and how early. Mine for example has had the water and fuel pumps, the starter and the alternator(?) replaced with less than 45k on the clock!

Were the components that poor? And more to the point - the alternator? I will have to pull the codes from my alt and see what I come up with.

2blu442 · September 7th, 2009, 09:12 PM

I don't know about the quality of the parts back then, but I do believe that most of us just exchanged them for new/rebuilt ones when they died. Over the years I've been fortunate to come across a couple rare numbers, one on a 1966 Riviera the other on a 1967 Toro. That affirms my idea that they were exchanged without much thought. John

344870M · September 7th, 2009, 09:32 PM

I figured that when the part did expire a swap was more in order but I just can't get over how badly these units must have been built. Aside from the Olds Nats I have never seen an open faced alt on an 70 442.

I want one bad now

mugzilla · September 9th, 2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 344870M

Is it an absolute that 442's (1970) came with the open face alternator? I have seen so many low mileage cars that do not have this type of alt. I realize that that 40 years ago we didn't have 100k spark plugs and such, but I can't believe how many parts failed and how early. Mine for example has had the water and fuel pumps, the starter and the alternator(?) replaced with less than 45k on the clock!

Were the components that poor? And more to the point - the alternator? I will have to pull the codes from my alt and see what I come up with.

Cars seldom went 100,000 miles.Chrysler made a big thing out of a 50,000 mile engine warrantee...

Lady72nRob71 · September 9th, 2009, 07:18 PM

I guess a lot can be said about my old '78 Ford's alt - it finally went last year at 151K miles and I just replaced the brushes for 5 bucks.

Now i am wondering when the starter, clutch, and exh. system will finally fail...

September 7th, 2009, 08:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
344870M Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: n/w PA Posts: 185	Open faced alternators Is it an absolute that 442's (1970) came with the open face alternator? I have seen so many low mileage cars that do not have this type of alt. I realize that that 40 years ago we didn't have 100k spark plugs and such, but I can't believe how many parts failed and how early. Mine for example has had the water and fuel pumps, the starter and the alternator(?) replaced with less than 45k on the clock! Were the components that poor? And more to the point - the alternator? I will have to pull the codes from my alt and see what I come up with. __________________ 1970 W-30 4spd, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_OKnABGJ0 Why is there a "Z" on my data plate & broadcast card!??

September 7th, 2009, 09:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
2blu442 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 2,256	I don't know about the quality of the parts back then, but I do believe that most of us just exchanged them for new/rebuilt ones when they died. Over the years I've been fortunate to come across a couple rare numbers, one on a 1966 Riviera the other on a 1967 Toro. That affirms my idea that they were exchanged without much thought. John __________________ 1964 Cutlass Factory 4spd 1965 442 4spd 1967 442 Auto 1967 Cutlass Convertible 1967 Cutlass four door daily driver 1968 442 Auto 1969 442 W30 Auto 1970 442 4spd 1971 Cutlass Flat Top Wagon 1973 Che*vy 3/4 Ton 454/TH400 Tow Vehicle Only the tow vehicle is finished!

September 7th, 2009, 09:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
344870M Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: n/w PA Posts: 185	I figured that when the part did expire a swap was more in order but I just can't get over how badly these units must have been built. Aside from the Olds Nats I have never seen an open faced alt on an 70 442. I want one bad now __________________ 1970 W-30 4spd, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_OKnABGJ0 Why is there a "Z" on my data plate & broadcast card!??

September 9th, 2009, 07:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lady72nRob71 Moderator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,916	I guess a lot can be said about my old '78 Ford's alt - it finally went last year at 151K miles and I just replaced the brushes for 5 bucks. Now i am wondering when the starter, clutch, and exh. system will finally fail... __________________ -Rob Young 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible (442 clone) -"Lady" (My mistress...) http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsalbum/sets/ 1986 Cutlass Supreme Coupe - "Pristine" 1978 Ford (Old Faithful) a.k.a. "the Tramp" 1997 Cadillac STS (for sale - too many cars!) 1999 Harley Davidson Sportster - "the Freedom Machine"

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