So I have a 55 super, I want to keep it original however I would like to add after market A/C maybe power Windows to the car, and run some gadgets to include cell, gps, etc . I don't think the generator can support all of this. So the questions is has any one converted to powermaster alt? Any good or bad? How would it hook up?
We have a member here that does custom setups for alternators. Someone will jump in with that name soon. i am sure that he can help you with this.
AF Guy, for what it's worth, I added power windows, (Nu relic) A/C (Vintage Air), 10 Disc CD, AM/FM Secret Audio, additional Power outlets in console, all controlled by additional Relays, to my 57 Buick Century, using the Original Rebuilt Generator with no issues for over 2 years. The relays help reduce the load on the electrical system. There are advantages to using and alternator and additional wiring to maintaining the gas pedal start system, adding a volmeter, which are just some of the issues of changing to an alternator. I'm sure others will chime in.
I'll try to answer your questions on your private message post to me here since some others have interest. If your going to run an alternator, I'm assuming it will be one with the internal regulator and obviously the old external voltage regulator has to go. You mentioned a one wire alternator and that's how I'm trying to answer your questions. The 'Bat' wire that orginally went to the regulator now goes to the big terminal on the one wire alternator. Of course it will have to be extended. The field' and ground wires are eliminated or wired back out of the way. You basically have three options regarding the ammeter. 1. Get a 'Maxi' Fuse or 'Safety Fuse' and wire it into the battery side of the ammeter. The one I am familar with comes in 80 or 40 amp . That '55 Buick ammeter will probably burn up around 60 amps. That's an estimate by those that are susposed to know. Or, 2. Bypass the ammeter by connecting the two wires at the ammeter on one pole (either one), thus taking the ammeter out of service. Then add a voltmeter under the dash or whereever and connect it to the ignitions circuit and ground. Or, 3. Pull the ammeter and send it off to be 'rewound' for a higher amperate value. You'll just have to check that one out on who will do it. I would say it all depends on how much 'stuff' your going to add to the car, etc. If your going to return to the 'push start' function, you need to go back and read a couple of my earlier posts on my '57 Buick Restoration' post. When you remove the generator and old voltage regulator, you still need a redundant backup to be sure the starter disengages. Tommy Payne at Powermaster has worked this out on their one wire alternators if you order one and request it. It will involve adding a relay to the starter circuit and I pretty much covered that part of it in my post somewhere. Hope this answers some of your questions. I'm assuming that your '55 Super is similar to the '57 Buick. Be advised, that I'm not an electrical guru by any means, but I know a couple of guys that are.
Hey AF Guy! Go to http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml This should answer your question. Forget the ammeter unless you carry a fire extinguisher in your car ~ go with the voltmeter instead. Get in touch with Classic Instruments if you want to make a voltmeter out of you ammeter. Hope this helps!
o cool glad my car has em, Thats what I love about this site I learn something new everytime I log on Good luck with build afguy how about some pic's of your super
Here are some pics of my '55 Roadmaster. These were taken the day I bought it. It unfortunately doesn't look like this right now. Over the winter a buddy and I were replacing the floor pans it it ended up catching fire. Now we're in the process of finding all the replacement interior parts, glass, and choosing a paint color to paint it. As I'm looking for new parts and fresh paint, i'm also in the market for a few nicer pieces of things I already have. So if you have or know of somebody who has nice rear bumper guards, rear taillight bezels, door handles, or front bumper pieces, I might be interested.
your car looks good in the pics. Nice color! I got front bumpers, rear bump guards and tail lights from Ebay. The bumper and peices, I a=had to have replated. But I lucked out on the taillights. They came from Ebay with a quality plate job. I got Graves to do my plating. The Chrome and the Gold. They even pepainted the cloisonne on the door crests. (I need to send my hood ornament to them, now.) GRAVES PLATING, Florence, Alabama http://www.gravesplating.com/ For all interior, (perfect match color and pattern) I reccomend; SMS INTERIORS, Canby, Oregon http://www.smsautofabrics.com/ I had my local guy install it. Top quality work. He did my Roadmaster and my Olds ALABAMA AUTO TOP. Birmingham, Alabama http://www.alabamaautotop.com/v1/v1.php
