I would like to use a 1 wire alternator in my 1954 F100. Does anyone know the best way to go? Should I use a kit to convert my Ford Alternator or get a GM Alternator?

 

http://www.ranchwagon.com/tech/alt/alt.htm

 

I just bought a G.M. 1-wire alternator for my 1955 F-100 with a 302 V8. The install was pretty easy with just some minor changes to the pivot & brackets. If you have a good Ford alternator, the 1-wire conversion would probably be easier & cheaper but I needed a alternator rebuild anyway. That way I was able to get a reliable alternator, increased amperage ( from 40 to 65 amps) & the convenience of a 1-wire installation.

 

I'm using a single wire GM for a 92 Buick Park Ave. 100 amp.
It works great on my 60 F-100,
just minor bracket mods.

 

I forgot to mention I was using a 302 not a Y block. From What I can tell the GM Alternators run over $130. The fords run about $50 Plus the $30 kit so I guess thats the best deal. If my alternator is good (need to get it checked) I can save even more. Anyone Know a good place to get an Alternator Bracket?

 

Medic,

check out our host first and then the vendors who support our forum.

Good luck

Steve

 

I have a GM Chrome 1 wire on my 52 Flathead, only paid $95. Works great and looks even better. I had to replace the stock pulley for a wider one.

 

I paid about $25 for a new GM alt. with internal regulator. It's the one with the single wire to the battery and a two prong plug. Just had to put a simple jumper wire (about 3 inches long, not very noticable) from the battery output to the #2 connection in the plug (I believe it was #2, I could check if anyone is interested). Works like a charm and about a third of the cost of the true one wire. Been in my truck for 3 years, no problem yet. I'm also running a 302 in my 53.

 

Tom, are you saying you converted a three wire GM alternator to a one-wire by using just a jumper wire? This is good stuff! If that's the case, I'm very interested in how this was done. I have a couple of GM three wires and I'd like to use one of them on my truck as a one-wire...

 

Vern,
Tom is correct. You can jumper the "field excitation" input to the output post of the alternator, and then eliminate the "idiot light" wire, and only have one wire hooked to the alternator. I used this set-up for several years until I lost a bearing in the alternator. At that time, I rebuilt with a one-wire kit.

The only problem I had was if the truck sat for more than about a month with the "jumpered one wire" set-up, it would drain the battery, as the jumper excites the field on the alternator continuously. If I remembered to start it every few weeks or was driving it occasionally, I had no problems.

If you have a good 10SI alternator, that is a good way to go. The one wire rebuilt kit is about $25 locally.

Good Luck,

 

Sounds like a great solution...would you know the model# of that alternator? The least expensive GM alternator I have seen is about $75.00

 

The 10SI is used on 73 and later GM cars and trucks and this mod works for this model. The 12SI came along in the early eighties and I think this mod will also work, but I have not done it to one of these. The 12SI is a higher output than the 10SI and is identified by a plastic fan on the front instead of the metal fan on the 10SI. If I remember correctly, the output is 42A for the 10SI and 65 for the 12SI. It is supposed to be stamped into the front half of the case, near the threaded bolt hole.

Good Luck,

 

Just as a note, my truck has sat for several months at a wack with out draining the battery. I was using the battery to put my tilt nose up and down (via electric/hydraulic convertable top motor), and test my electric window install and stuff (but didn't start the truck for several months).

I will check the model of my Alt. and post it here. Does anyone know if there is a number or idenifier on the alt to determine the model? And where is it located?

 

But I guess, now that I think about it, you could unplug the extra wire when the truck is going to sit for an extended period of time.
I used a spade lug to plug into the alt.

 

Tom,
That is what I ended up doing after I figured out that was what was draining the battery. If you forget to hook it up, the voltmeter will let you know!