Expert: Brad Sears - 7/11/2010

Question
Hi Brad,
I have another question about my 1936 Packard 120.
I am replacing the old generator with a 6 volt 1 wire alternator.
The one wire coming out of the alternator says it goes to the battery negative terminal. But how do I wire it up so it will go thru the ampmeter to show it is charging.  I have taken the old generator and volt regulator off the car.  I have installed a new wiring harness on the car too when I restored it.  It has a large #10 ga wire that usually goes from the generator cutout to amp meter gen. side.  I thought I could that up directly to the alternator but not sure.  Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Wayne

Answer
In my mind the question here is what is the rated amp output of the 6 volt alternator? If it is lower that the reading of the amp meter then use the wire that runs from the current cutout to the amp meter as the one wire for the alternator. If the alternator is rated significantly higher amperage than the ammeter then run a wire directly to the battery as the ammeters shunt may not be a large enough capacity to handle the alternators output. I would also check with the manufacturer of the alternator for his advice as well. But the amperage rating is the key here. Brad