Alternator or Generator

Does a '61 401 use a alterntor or a generator. All the part webites only show me generators is this right

 

I think they were still generators that year.

 

1962 Non A/C got generators. A/C got alternators. 1963 Alts across the board.:beers2:

 

Everything through '62 was generators, '63 was the first year for alternators. The A/C cars got a higher output generator, but it was still in fact a generator.

 

I'm sure you can put a alt. on a '61 401?

 

Shouldn't be hard, and it would be in your best interest to do so. Generators suck! And they will leave you with a dead battery at some point.:Smarty:

 

I was looking at those Alt that look like Gen for the old school look on my truck but there $500 and I want to have my truck driving soon. Do I just look up the Alt for a 63 and newer Nailhead

 

Yes, you can install an alternator. If the vehicle was originally generator equipped, there is some re-wiring that needs to be done. I found a good site thru Google that goes over the conversion, but I can't find the link right now.

There's really no sense in buying an alternator that looks like a generator - waste of my IMHO.

You might be able to make the factory generator brackets work, otherwise you will probably need to get the later alternator mouting brackets.

 

WOW I looked up a replacement alternator and it's only $50 compared to a replacment generator $500

 

If they were the same price I would definitely get the alternator that looks like a generator.:Brow:e

 

The trick would be, that if you're converting anyway, convert to a BETTER product than the external-regulator first-generation alternator.

A 10- or 12-SI internally regulated alternator will completely smoke an old style alternator (which itself would be a definite step up from a generator) particularly at lower RPM.

DO NOT buy a "one-wire" alternator; they're a step backwards in utility even if they can be installed by any moron with a nine-sixteenths wrench. Three wires is not so much to keep track of; and a one-wire cannot drive a dashboard indicator light.

 

Here is a good site to read:

http://www.rowand.net/shop/tech/AlternatorConversions.htm

 

Having lived in the generator age and the alt. age, I will pick an alternator every time....:Brow: :Brow:

 

Hey, that's the site I was talking about! Thanks for posting the link.

My generator charges fine cruising, by absolutely sucks at idle.

 

Where can I find an Alt bracket?

 

They come up on eBay, also you could post in the parts wanted.

 

I really have nothing to add, but as Doc and I are of about the same vintage, I will also tell you that you want an alternator. The only possible reason for keeping a generator is because the vehicle is absolutely stock. Generators=evil. Alternators=Goodness. Around here, we have a large number of John Deere 2-cyl tractor restorers. They all have GM alternators. You should, too.

 

Those of us from the generator era can tell you there's nothing like watching a couple of cars late at night on a country road winding out in each gear and watching the headlights get brighter as the generator spins faster before each shift.

Ed

 

Yep, and there is nothing like walking 10 miles out of the backwoods, because you listened to the old tube type radio for 30 mins. and the generator did not keep the battery up.....dont ask me how I know , but I know.....:rant: :laugh: :laugh:

 

Yep I agree totally, alternator over generator every time, unless i'm 1000 miles from home with only gas money and a spare set of generator brush's in the tool box. LOL Been there done that. Go to alternator.
Wil