Tedd, Red,

I couldn't find the old thread about generators from last year. Unfortunately, Tedd, you were right. My rebuilt generator on the '55 crapped out in less than 3k miles. I got it from Fusick, out of warranty of course, and wrote them a letter, but doubt it will do any good.

Everyone, caution, rebuild your own generators. Don't opt for a rebuilt from Fusick. I don't know where Fusick is getting their rebuilds, but the brushes completely disintegrated after less than 3k miles. Nothing left. Crumbled parts fell out of the back of the generator when I took it out. Put another rebuild in, hopefully it will last longer than 3k miles.

For the moment I can go back to driving at night, and not driving on the battery! I might even turn the radio on....

 

That's a bummer that you had bad luck with the Fusick generator. What rebuild kit did you get to replace the brushes in your generator? I would think the only sources for a kit like that would be Fusick or Kanter.

 

I got the whole generator rebuild from Fusick. Mine was original w 130k on it. Everything worn out. So I figured get a nice one. We'll see on the second try.

Dave

 

If the battery, regulator and wiring is in good order, the genny should last a lot longer than 3K, but 130K is over the top. I suspect the original has been rebuilt or repaired at least once in the past. How much does the Fusic gen cost? Do they require a core? If the brushes were crumbled and in pieces the armature is probably bad and new brushes won't solve the problem.

 

The Chinese brushes are junk! I've had the same experience.
I use the Burton Co in Michigan for rebuilds. Try to find NOS Delco brushes wherever you can.

 

Good brushes cost almost 4 times as much as the cheap ones, but it is worth it. The brushes I use are USA made. They are made by a company that specializes in brushes and makes them for just about everything. They are also a supplier for many OE applications.

 

Maybe it's time for a Gener-Nator conversion. Your stock generator with alternator guts in it that is more powerful with more amp capacity, produces power at all RPMs and presumably more reliable. Totally stock under the hood, but works way better. They seem like a great option. I don't know what it costs though.

https://gener-nator.com

 

Newish battery, new regulator with the last generator. Wiring is all good.


No, the generator I replaced 3 years ago was totally original and stock. The car has been in the family since new. Agreed with the analysis with the crumbled brushes, I don't trust the current generator even if I were to replace them. The holders were bent, and the remains were bouncing around inside the generator.

I just adjusted the brakes, and went for a test drive. At least the generator worked for about 3 miles!

 

And yes, I know the radiator recovery tank is not stock, but I was tired of having to top off the radiator all the time. The engine runs nice and cool, just shy of half on the gage, can't seem to get it any hotter no matter the weather!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

Oh yeah!

I hope you have better luck with your new generator.

 

I think my last 3 generators (all Wilson rebuilds) all went bad in less than 3 thousand miles, one was DOA and I'm not counting that one .I now get them rebuilt by a old world starter generator shop. No issues so far and I'm a happy camper.

It's the we will replace them no questions asked at no charge that gets you hooked. also makes you stay close to home because you have no trust in your car anymore.Throw in a regulator that goes bad and I was a little gun shy...... Tedd

 

What went bad most ? Brushes ? Bushings ? Or ?

 

The first one was the original or at least very old . The bearing went out and shorted to the case screwed up the case. Probably my fault for putting too much of a tight on the belt. I set it up like a alternator not smart. The next one would not generate a volt and It went back the same day The rest I just pulled them off when they quit and sent them back.I did use the last one as a core as I didn't have anything good to rebuild in my stash and It was rebuildable...... Tedd