49-53 8rt Generators
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Senior User
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49-53 8rt Generators
I am considering a generator to convert to 12v for my 8rt engine.
Looking through the Ford Truck Manual there were 4 different amperages offered.
Are they Interchanagable?
Has anyone converted a later 56-64 12v generator to fit?
Looking through the Ford Truck Manual there were 4 different amperages offered.
Are they Interchanagable?
Has anyone converted a later 56-64 12v generator to fit?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,602
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Did that way before alternators were common . Any amp gen can be used as long
as its regulator is matched. I think we used a 58 or 59 40 amp Ford or Mercury.
swap pulleys then drill a pilot hold in the gen case for mounting pin. Replace all bulbs
with 12 vt, reverse the feed loop thru the amp meter thats about it. All these years
still 6vt starter never been touched. Most people use a volt regulator for gauges now,
but back then we didn't know about such a thing, but they worked. We replaced
that with 60 amp alternator 5 yrs ago though nothing wrong with a gen. but we
chose to do so.
as its regulator is matched. I think we used a 58 or 59 40 amp Ford or Mercury.
swap pulleys then drill a pilot hold in the gen case for mounting pin. Replace all bulbs
with 12 vt, reverse the feed loop thru the amp meter thats about it. All these years
still 6vt starter never been touched. Most people use a volt regulator for gauges now,
but back then we didn't know about such a thing, but they worked. We replaced
that with 60 amp alternator 5 yrs ago though nothing wrong with a gen. but we
chose to do so.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,286
Likes: 1,051
From: NM
The least cost, quick and dirty way to do that is to simply swap the battery cables around, replace the regulator, and re-polarize the gen. The stock 6v gen will put out about 25 amps at 12v. To do it right, all you have to do is put 12v field coils in the stock case, AFAIK the armature is the same. I don't think the later gens have the hole drilled for the locating peg on the case of the gen.
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Senior User
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Sorry, I didn't elaborate....
I'm starting from zero. I only have the gen and fan mount, no generator. The wiring is stripped so I will be able to rewire for a 12v system.
Sounds like the 56-64 unit will work, need to locate a 40a gen.
I'm starting from zero. I only have the gen and fan mount, no generator. The wiring is stripped so I will be able to rewire for a 12v system.
Sounds like the 56-64 unit will work, need to locate a 40a gen.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
I added a 100 amp alternator from Speedway. Skip the chrome version as the plating is poor and peels off after a year. I also used their alternator bracket which is much simpler (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Plain-...et,4242.html)..
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Might be easiest to have it tested to determine max output. Don't forget the regulator needs to match current rating.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Anything more than 30 ampere was kind of a rarity was it not? As in heavy duty service for law enforcement or ambulance or whatnot. And as mentioned it's the regulator that counts.
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Fleet Owner
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From: NM
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: W. Central FL.
Might try looking at the luxury Ford line up through 1962, even into 1963 on some models. The need for greater output came with AC, PW, convertible tops, etc. I know T bird went to high output generators with twin belt drive starting about 1958 and continued with generators till 1963.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Houston
The best method to do this is to use two generators, one 6V and one 12V. Take the pulley and the ends from the flathead 6V generator. Use the armature and barrel from the 12V generator. You now have a 12V flathead generator that looks and bolts up like stock. I like to use the later armature since it will have a bearing on the back instead of the bushing.
*Standard rant about 12V conversion* Please note I only do this to vehicles where a previous owner messed up a 12V conversion. Unless you are running A/C I see no reason to convert to 12V.
*Standard rant about 12V conversion* Please note I only do this to vehicles where a previous owner messed up a 12V conversion. Unless you are running A/C I see no reason to convert to 12V.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
Or if you want to use modern accessories like CD player, CB radio, high output lights, etc?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Houston
I ran 6V halogen headlights and LED tail lights with a 6V generator on my 37 sedan. You can get or build a 6V positive ground to 12V negative ground inverter for in car uses.
If you think you really need more watts you can get 50 or 60 amp 6 or 12 volt generators and regulators occasionally on ebay. Even when I do run 12V I prefer a generator.
If you think you really need more watts you can get 50 or 60 amp 6 or 12 volt generators and regulators occasionally on ebay. Even when I do run 12V I prefer a generator.
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Good tip to use the 6v, case. I have the 12 v generator mounted to get the setup done. The 30 amp generator will carry my basic needs + halogen headlights. Since this build does not have any accessories my draw won't exceed the capacity. Doing the math 80 watt lights will draw a bit less than 7a each.
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