1956 F500 Alternator


Looking online, having difficulty finding a 1-wire alternator for my 1956 F500. Seems the brackets won't line up and who knows if the pulley will line up with the drive and water pump pulleys. Anyone have any idea where I can get a direct replacement? Hopefully a 100-amp unit.


This is my existing alternator.

 

Are you sure that isn't a generator? This is what the parts book shows for the alternator (which was pretty rare back then). What engine do you have?

 

Ouch. I think you got me there. They all look the same! And I was under the impression to big trucks had an alternator and the half tons had generators...


Okay so say I want to ditch the generator and go to a single wire alternator that replaces the voltage regulator. Anyone have a specific model they've used? Pics? Thanks in advance.

 

Why not get your generator rebuilt at your local auto-electric shop? It should serve you well unless you are adding a lot of accessories like a radio/stereo, fog lights, spotlights, siren, 2-way radio, CB, etc, etc....

 

Bingo! I want to add a stereo...that's my main reason for the change. I might just take the generator to a local auto parts store and see if they can line up a 100-amp to fit.

 

Your generator is already 12v, and a stereo draws little more than 3 - 4 amps at full output (most are fused at 5 amps, unless you're running some monster amp). You don't "need" to go to an alternator, but if you want one, you can't go wrong buying a Delco 10Si, one-wire internally regulated alternator. Cheap as chips everywhere. If you have a Y-block (you haven't said), I'm sure there are mounting kits for one of those.

 

It is a Y-Block: 272. The thing is the generator that's on the truck has been sitting since 1997. A buddy of mine who's a mechanic says that the corrosion inside is probably enough to warrant a replacement regardless of whether it actually works or not. I figured that since I'm replacing so many components of the engine I may as well do a few upgrades allowing me to expand electronics a bit without worry.


I'll look into the Delco 10si and a kit. Thanks for the guidance!