Yesterday I was just browsing on my laptop while I was away from home, I was looking at my parts and illustration guide to get part numbers for some more parts I will try to find NOS if possible. While searching I passed by page 361 in section 100, it was at the bottom of the page titled 1956/ Typical Alternator (15 volts 30 or 50 amps)

I wanted to ask if anyone has any information on this? I tried doing an internet search but every time I search for 1956 Ford Alternator it brings up nothing but conversions. I am curious if this is backwards compatible with a generator voltage regulator as in they used the same regulator. I would much like to run an alternator on my '56 but at the same time I want it to be period correct, my only other option is to go the GenerNator route and send that guy my original Generator where he will convert it to an alternator. There are two downsides to this route for me first is its $895 for the conversion, I could rebuild this generator numerous times for that price. Second downside is he will not build one with an external regulator they are all internal and thus require wiring modifications. That's fine for someone that is building a driver, but my goal since this car has been in family since new is to put it back like it was when it left the assembly line and the dealership lot. If I can make upgrades without changing the hook up nor appearance of the system then I will, ie petronix points elimination kit under the cap and stuff like that.

So when I saw this alternator listed as 1956/ I am now wondering what the story is behind this. It says 15 volt 30 or 50 amps, that is about what that Gener-Nator specs are, he told me its a 12 volt conversion putting out 60 amps. For a car with just a radio and a fresh air heater I do not need ultra high amperage I just wanting dependability and durability. I don't know how long this generator would go between overhauls. So far ive been running it once to three times a week for the past two years and so far the generator is still putting out. So maybe I am just convincing myself that the generator would need rebuilding every few hundred miles or so.

 

Alternator applications/specs: 1949/59 Ford Passenger Car Parts Catalog - Text - Section 103 - Page 526.

Generators were standard equipment thru 1964, alternators were optional (excepting 1963/64 Thunderbird).

Alternators became standard equipment in 1963 Thunderbird, everything else in 1965.

 

Take a look at the brushes to see how things are wearing. If it's just a radio and heater the generator will provide plenty of current, if it's not going to be a year round daily driver I probably wouldn't bother with a conversion. Use a FoMoCo regulator, not aftermarket, and keep the grounding solid and they will give good service.

Sent from a pay phone

 

Mind blowing, never knew they had an alternator option in those early years. I wonder if they were options for taxi/police type cars?

 

Well the regulator is the one that's been on there for who knows how long. Not sure if its a FoMoCo original regulator or if its been replaced once already but I know the regulator is over 30 years old. As far as being a daily driver, I would like it to be once I get the restoration finished but as of now the only running it gets is I run it up and down the street every so many months to clean the drums off. Otherwise its just back and down the driveway to keep the hydraulic system working.

Same here, everything I seen showed Chevrolet was the first to come out with the alternator for their vehicles in the early 60s but after seeing this, tells me that Chevrolet might have been the first to make it standard but not the first to offer it. Same as in the same book you can find air bag suspension for a '57 Ford.

 

I always thought it was one of the Chrysler products that first came with an alternator?? Now I'm really confused

 

Chrysler was first US company for alternator followed by GM then Ford. Every body by 1965. You can buy voltage regulators that look Orem, but have electronics under the cover. I like those the best.

 

Do you have a link for those?

 

Standard motor products vr35 is listed as the voltage regulator to work with your generator. And it is electronic under the cover.

 

Are you sure? I'd bet money that's a standard issue mechanical generator regulator. Nobody makes a solid state version for generators*

I found an NOS FoMoCo service replacement regulator for about $70 from that place down in Waxahachie (I just like saying that for some reason.) It worked perfectly right out of the box for voltage and current.

Don't cheap out on the regulator if using a generator. Good old school 50s and 60s regulators (even used) will work better than the ersatz crapola made today. Heck, the NOS stuff is oftentimes not much more expensive anyway. When the cheap stuff fails you won't have saved any money. When talking Electrical and ignition parts ALWAYS go OEM.

*Some people use a Bosch generator regulator that was OEM for early 70s VW, that's the only 12 volt solid state generator regulator I know of. It may fit under an old school regulator cover, I dunno.

 

I have a VR35 and there is nothing electronic in it, same old mechanical..

 

Full Story Here- http://www.autonews.com/article/1996...ve-electronics