Converting '53 Generator to modern alternator?

[Alocatelli]

I would like to convert the generator on my '53 Olds 303 to a modern one wire alternator if possible and was wondering what would need to be changed for that to work with the rest of the electrical? Thanks for anyhelp!

[Oldsguy]

I remember reading this over on the H.A.M.B. You will also need to get a 12v to 6v converter for any accessories you don't change over to 12 volts. I tried to buy one from JC Whitney but they haven't delivered it yet, don't know if it is out of stock or what. They are available at other places though. I am using one to drive all the 6 volt lamps on the dash as I don't want to go to the trouble to change them, looks like I might have to or source one someplace else.

edit: drat! I forgot the link again......sorry

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...tor+alternator

[Alocatelli]

Thanks for the quick response. I have yet another question now. Was my '53 originally a 6 volt system? I know my 54 is 12V. I am asking because on my 303 in the '53 Olds the generator says delco remy 12 volt. I haven't fired up the car yet since it was in a barn since 1972 so can't say if any of the electrical checks out or not. Also need a battery.

[Oldsguy]

I am not sure but just mentioned my experience. If you generator is a 12 volt one then I bet the car was originally 12 volt. I do know that changes were made in the fifties but don't know exactly when. I bet someone here does though. Maybe Joe Padavano does.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

I am not sure but just mentioned my experience. If you generator is a 12 volt one then I bet the car was originally 12 volt. I do know that changes were made in the fifties but don't know exactly when. I bet someone here does though. Maybe Joe Padavano does.

Well, exactly HOW OLD do you think I am????

I'm afraid I wasn't born in 1953 (1958 to be exact), so I don't know for sure on the voltage. I can tell you that my 52 Chevy truck is a 6 volt system. If the generator says 12 volts, I'm sure that's what's being put into the system. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. An easier check is to just look at the battery. If it has only three caps to add water, it's 6v. If it has six caps, it's almost certainly a 12v battery.

The actual conversion to an alternator is easy. If you have an ammeter gauge, your voltage regulator should have three wires. Two will go to the generator and the third will go to a terminal post somewhere (possibly on the back of the ammeter). Remove the generator and voltage regulator. Fab a bracket to mount the single wire alternator. Run that single wire to the terminal post noted above. If the system is a 12v system, you're done. If it's a 6v system, you'll need to change all the bulbs and get a voltage dropping resistor for the gauges. You can find these in most street rod parts catalogs. The 6v wiring works fine with 12v since the current is actually half. The 6v starter will also work fine with 12v and will spin a whole lot faster. I did this conversion on my 6v 52 Allis Chalmers tractor and it works fine.

Be careful when selecting a one wire alternator. Most Delco 10SI series alternators require the small resistance from the GEN light to get the regulator to turn on below about 1500 RPM. Some of the newer single wire alternators have an internal fix for this. You want one of those.

[Alocatelli]

Thanks for the great info. From the research I have done and just thinking more about it, I realize that Olds switched to 12v in 53 so that is not an issue. Also realized I could have probably answered my own question about the alternator conversion, having done simular ones before. I have ran into the issue of some of the one wire alts not charging below about 1500 RPM. Thanks very much for the info though and I am sure that during the course of this project I will run into something where I am completely lost and will have more questions.

[Oldsguy]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Well, exactly HOW OLD do you think I am???? I'm afraid I wasn't born in 1953 (1958 to be exact), so I don't know for sure on the voltage.

Oh it's not your age I was referring to, you just seem to have some knowledge and experience in this field. Actually, it turns out that I am older than you 1955.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

Oh it's not your age I was referring to, you just seem to have some knowledge and experience in this field. Actually, it turns out that I am older than you 1955.

That's OK, I was just pulling your chain.