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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 119
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From: Michigan
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I am going to replace the wiring in my 49 F-1. I have a "72" 302 V-8 in the truck. I will be running a electric fan. I'm planning on having all the usual stuff on the truck (ie- radio, power windows, gauges, etc). I want to replace the alt., but haven't seen one for this truck that is a ford replacement. It came with a GM alt. with a cobbled mounting bracket. I would like to have a one wire alt. Also I was looking at a American Wire harness kit, but the kits all seem to be for a GM vehicle and not a Ford. What are you using for a Ford? I was planning on replacing the dist. with an HEI. Any help would be appreciated as I am learning as I go along.
I am trying to keep the front end stock but would like to drop the front end 3" Any suggestions on this would be appreciated. Was thinking of mono springs?
I am trying to keep the front end stock but would like to drop the front end 3" Any suggestions on this would be appreciated. Was thinking of mono springs?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Fordor,
An alternator and regulator from a mid to late 60s Mustang would work on your 302, but you would have to rewire the charging system. I have a diagram of that system in my gallery if you wish to see it. It seems that I have seen one-wire Ford alternators somewhere but I can't remember where just now. Since you want to run a lot of accessories, a high output one-wire would probably be best. Most of the wiring kits are for GM because GM columns are used most often. However, there are Ford kits out there to be had. Check with Ron Francis for one. You might get 2-3 inches from a reversed eye spring up front. I have not heard good things about the monoleaf springs...
Vern
An alternator and regulator from a mid to late 60s Mustang would work on your 302, but you would have to rewire the charging system. I have a diagram of that system in my gallery if you wish to see it. It seems that I have seen one-wire Ford alternators somewhere but I can't remember where just now. Since you want to run a lot of accessories, a high output one-wire would probably be best. Most of the wiring kits are for GM because GM columns are used most often. However, there are Ford kits out there to be had. Check with Ron Francis for one. You might get 2-3 inches from a reversed eye spring up front. I have not heard good things about the monoleaf springs...
Vern
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Dec 18, 2004 at 08:11 AM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 39
From: Minnesota
I did some research on 1 wire alternators and you may not want one. I always wondered why car manufacturers would not use a 1 wire alternator on everything if they were so good. This is what I got from the reading.
The three wires used on normal alternators are
The three wires used on normal alternators are
- The main wire going to the battery or some other point for charging. Both units have these.
- The on and off with the ignition wire not a big deal, not found on a single wire unit. Residual magetism is used to kicks start the unit instead of power from the battery.
- A sensing wire (this looks to be the reason we have three wire alternators), this senses the voltage in the alternator on a single wire unit. So if the wiring is causing any loss in other parts of the system the alternator will not know it and keep itself at 14.7 volts on a one wire system. On the multiple wire units this wire can be put on a lug which supplies power to everything and if the voltage at that point drops below 14.7 the alternator will produce a higher voltage to keep the electronics running at optimal. The alternator may be putting out 15.2 volts. It is basically a remote sensor that is getting readings from a better place.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: north east mississippi
i am using the small ford alt.61amp .my local rebuider suggested a one wire type regulator,but the tiny regulator mounts to the rear outside of the alt.also got a deal on chrome housing kit on ebay. looks nice to me.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Any of the wiring kits will work, they just have standardized on the GM color coding for the wire colors. If you are doing a complete rewire it's no big deal. There are a couple wiring differences if you are using a Ford column and turn signal switch. My EZ wire kit came with wiring diagrams for several different engines including Ford. The electrons don't have a clue what make of vehicle or color of wire they are running thru, so they'll still do what they are supposed to do. If the kit you buy doesn't have the diagram you need, email me and I'll send you a copy.
By the way there are some good looking harness kits on Ebay in the 120.00 range.
Easiest way to drop the front 3" is with a dropped axle. Reversed eye springs will drop 1". I've not heard good things about monoleafs, might want to stick with multileaf. You can also remove some leafs to soften the ride and lower it at the same time.
By the way there are some good looking harness kits on Ebay in the 120.00 range.
Easiest way to drop the front 3" is with a dropped axle. Reversed eye springs will drop 1". I've not heard good things about monoleafs, might want to stick with multileaf. You can also remove some leafs to soften the ride and lower it at the same time.
Last edited by AXracer; Dec 20, 2004 at 01:58 PM.
