Converting to an alternator

This area is for those who need help modernizing their Buick for purposes other than strict restoration. Such questions can be about converting to an alternator, adding an electric fuel pump, adding fuel injection, air suspension, boosting horsepower or gas mileage, or tightening or lowering the suspension. Body customizing, chopping and other modifications can also be discussed here.

Converting to an alternator

Postby 58limited » Sat Aug 11, 2007 4:26 pm

Has anyone here converted their '58 to an alternator? Did you have to have brackets custom made, or is there a supplier for them? I know there are at least two outfits on the web that will convert your generator to an alternator so that nothing has to be changed, bracketwise. But, the cost of this conversion is $450 and up.
1958 Buick Limited Riviera Coupe Model 755

Other cars:
1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
1957 Pontiac Transcontinental Safari
1968 Ford Galaxie 500 HT
1977 Lincoln Continental Convertible
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MAD Enterprises

Postby RoadMaster75 » Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:43 pm

I'm glad you brought this up...
For great guidance on conversion to alternators and other
extremely useful info for our old cars...go here!
Download the tutorial stuff, too.

http://www.madelectrical.com/index.shtml

I converted my 76 Rolls Royce from its broken $1500 alternator
with external $250 voltage regulator to a $69 Chevy internally regulated alternator (liftetime warranty!) from NAPA; with the help of this guy!

My friend converted his old Nova that had a generator to an internally
regulated alternator using MAD's kit.
Bracketry is easily done using the old mounting points and playing around with spacers or washers. Hope this helps! Mike "RoadMaster75"
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Postby 58limited » Mon Aug 13, 2007 10:38 pm

Thanks for the link. Post a pic of your Rolls in the Lounge - I love Rolls Royce. A couple of years ago, there was a 1952 Rolls pickup on ebay - believed to be one of three made. It was used to carry flowers in funeral processions. Turns out it was 90 miles form me - wish I could have seen it (and bought it).
1958 Buick Limited Riviera Coupe Model 755

Other cars:
1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
1957 Pontiac Transcontinental Safari
1968 Ford Galaxie 500 HT
1977 Lincoln Continental Convertible
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58limited
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Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:48 pm
Location: SE Texas

Re: Converting to an alternator

Postby Air Poise » Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:52 am

I have converted to an alternator after much difficulty. The system I chose is called a GENER-NATOR which uses your original generator housing to look standard. The workmanship by Don Allen is top quality. To retain the original Buick starting system an additional cut-out switch was added which uses oil pressure to isolate the starter relay. For the most part it works well. This oil pressure switch was added inline to the oil pressure guage. It will NOT allow long starting periods as the oil pressure shuts the starter relay off. A short rest for the starter motor is required while the oil pressure subsides. Otherwise, the system works quite well. At idle, with headlights on dim and the A/C running on low, the generator guage still shows a slight discharge. Once the engine rpm increases the system charges nicely. I have had no problems with the new Gener-Nator and Don Allen was MOST helpful and can be reached at 541 902 2255 or gener-nator@myway.com
or 85340 HWY. 101 SO. Florence, OR 97439.

Air Poise
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Re: Converting to an alternator

Postby 58limited » Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:59 am

Here is Gener-Nator's website:

http://www.gener-nator.com/
1958 Buick Limited Riviera Coupe Model 755

Other cars:
1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
1957 Pontiac Transcontinental Safari
1968 Ford Galaxie 500 HT
1977 Lincoln Continental Convertible
User avatar
58limited
Site Admin
 
Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:48 pm
Location: SE Texas


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