new need info
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 71
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From: SC
new need info
Hi im new to the f100 scene im moving in from the foxbody sn95 mustangs to try something new. Ive been reading alot of the posts and one question why does everyone switch from 6v to 12v generator and is a generator like a altenator? Im looking to get a 48 to a 55 f100 to start a drive and resto project. Any ideas where I can look to find some for sale. So far ive tried ebay, autoextra, some local traders, and the classifieds on this website. Also any websites where I can find info about these trucks, parts, and how toos would be great as well.
Thanks,
Luke
Thanks,
Luke
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
This is the place to find a good deal of what you are seeking? Others will chime and add comments and possible leads on a good project for you to start with. My experience has been it is good to find something that is running and legal to drive so as to keep you motivated and moving forward. Buying a rough truck for your first one can be discouraging. Welcome and much success to you.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
I'll have to agree with Donald on this one, at least find a driveable truck for your project. I have never driven mine and sometimes I think that's why I can't stay motivated to finish it. All of my previous projects have been driven before disassembly, although some shouldn't have been ( my 53 ****** Jeep was a fine example, the steering wheel broke off of the center hub while turning a corner, ever try to drive a Jeep with vise grips clamped to the steeing column nut?) Try to find a truck in the best condition that you can afford, that way it isn't as discouraging when the project hits a snag.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Generators & alternators do the same job
A generator and an alternator do the same job, charge the battery. The alternator is just more efficient. The one wire alternators have a built in voltage regulator and a commutator (sic?) ring. The generator has a coil,field windings,and brushes. The generator also requires an external voltage regulator. The 6V or 12V question I think is a matter of more reserve power for starting and the ability to use modern, easy to find electrical parts. Welcome to the site, keep looking in all areas for your older truck. You will find them in the most unlikley places. The '50 F-1 I found had been setting in the previous owners garage for 14 years waiting for rebuild. The truck had been sitting there from a time before he had a family to raise. The oldest of his three children was only 13 years. Things happen which puts them on the back burner and finally up for sale. Good luck on your quest and let us know how it is going.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 25
From: San Mateo, CA
The 6v vs. 12v question gets to the heart of what your plans are for the truck. For a bone stock restoration, you've got to go 6v for a truck built 1955 or earlier. And it will probably work just fine, because a bone stock restoration won't have alot of extra electric goodies running.
But if you want a "resto-mod" that looks stock but has a bunch of upgrades, or if you're going full blown dark side and building a hot rod, then 12v is the way to go. There's a reason that auto manufacturers switched to 12v in the late 50's and never looked back. The reason is more complicated electrical systems came on the scene with a much higher demand for power than in the 30's, 40's, and early 50's.
12v makes your truck easier to service and better able to handle upgrades, if the break from originality doesn't bother you.
Last bit of advice...buy a truck from the south or west if possible. You'll save yourself alot of rust trouble and expense, most likely worth several times the cost of shipping that rust free truck to anywhere in the country.
Good luck!
But if you want a "resto-mod" that looks stock but has a bunch of upgrades, or if you're going full blown dark side and building a hot rod, then 12v is the way to go. There's a reason that auto manufacturers switched to 12v in the late 50's and never looked back. The reason is more complicated electrical systems came on the scene with a much higher demand for power than in the 30's, 40's, and early 50's.
12v makes your truck easier to service and better able to handle upgrades, if the break from originality doesn't bother you.
Last bit of advice...buy a truck from the south or west if possible. You'll save yourself alot of rust trouble and expense, most likely worth several times the cost of shipping that rust free truck to anywhere in the country.
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
oops, wrong word
Before any one corrects me the word "coil" in my post should read "armature".
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by tacson
This is the place to find a good deal of what you are seeking? Others will chime and add comments and possible leads on a good project for you to start with. My experience has been it is good to find something that is running and legal to drive so as to keep you motivated and moving forward. Buying a rough truck for your first one can be discouraging. Welcome and much success to you.
I still go back and read old threads when I am doing something different or something I have not done before.
Originally Posted by mechmagcn
I'll have to agree with Donald on this one, at least find a driveable truck for your project. I have never driven mine and sometimes I think that's why I can't stay motivated to finish it. All of my previous projects have been driven before disassembly, although some shouldn't have been ( my 53 ****** Jeep was a fine example, the steering wheel broke off of the center hub while turning a corner, ever try to drive a Jeep with vise grips clamped to the steeing column nut?) Try to find a truck in the best condition that you can afford, that way it isn't as discouraging when the project hits a snag.
Too many club activities, cruises, and cruise ins to go to.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 71
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From: SC
wow this forum is alot more active with people trying to help others than most of the other forums ive been on. I live in florida so thats a good start on a southern truck. gdgerland and F250rob for the generator alternator info. Ive looked at the collectorcartrader.com and will look again tomorrow. My main issue is finding a truck that s a manual that will run well enough for me to drive since im 17 and can only afford 1 car at a time. This will be my 4th car by the way 2 91 mustang gts, and currently a 96 gt that im selling. Thanks for all the info so far I really appreciate it!
Luke
Luke