You are here:

Classic/Antique Car Repair/GENERATOR TO ALTERNATOR

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/7/2010


Question
I HAVE A 1953 NASH STATESMAN WHICH NEEDS REWIRED ANYWAY AND HAS 6 VOLT POSITIVE GROUND. I WOULD LIKE TO RUN 12 VOLT SO IT IS EASIER TO RUN A COOLING FAN, RADIO, AC AND MISC. CAN I FIND AN ALTERNATOR THAT HAS A SHAFT ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR HOOKING UP THE WATER PUMP OR SHOULD I JUST MOUNT THE ALTERNATOR ABOVE WITH A BRACKET. THANKS, RICHARD

Answer
I have never seen an alternator with a shaft all the way through. Chevrolet in the late 50's or early 60's drove the power steering pump from the back of a 12 volt generator with the shaft all the way through. While a DC generator does not out out as much amprage at low speed as an alternator does it might be an alternative.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.