Thanks for the update. I think the 46 amp spec is just measured at full field, while the regulator should keep it throttled back to no more than 30 amps. One thing to keep in mind in any case the truck wiring itself is probably not rated for anything much more than 30 amps. This is important.

Generators get a real bad rap today because usually everything by now is 50+ years old, and worn out and abused, neglected. Kinda like us. They worked reasonably well back then and can still do the job.

They don't like high RPMS though and will self destruct at anything above around 5000, and need attention now and then, no doubt alternators replaced generators for good reasons but they just look weird on a Flathead or Y block to my eyes. I know Optimas are good batteries too, but they just look alien too.

I bought a good generator rebuild from off of that auction site, tho checked it out carefully before install, it had been rebuilt in 1999 and sat on a shelf somewhere for a long time. That gets me to wondering. Cleaned up a lot of new paint off some places that wouldn't have improved things, ground points and such. It had new field coils, armature, brushes and everything. They are real simple.

Now that I think about it, wouldn't standard alternator pullies fit? I bet they kept the same size at the switcheroo, at least at first. I had a hell of a time finding the right size.

 

Thanks for the info. A machinist friend of mine straightened out my pulley. But whilst he was doing that, I looked everywhere and never did find a replacement! When steel was fetching 200.00-300.00 per ton to China, we lost a lot of good used auto parts. I considered but really never searched alternator pulling.

 

I have 1948 Ford 8n tractor with a 1 wire AC Delco alternator. That does not look right at all. Currently, it is a work machine but I want to restore it on day. I probably should find a generator a put it on the shelf.

 

So...to highjack this thread...if a 63 has an existing alternator, it is a candidate for a 3g alternator? If I get the truck, I have an electric fan and offroad lights sitting in the garage.

 

Sure, why not? But it is very important to have the wiring harness upgraded to heavier gauge copper to handle the increased current the alternator can supply to those accessories.

 

Would definitely use relays and fuses for the offroad lights, headlights, taillights, etc.