I got a question for those of you that have converted your Flatheads from 6v positive ground to 12v negative ground. I already converted to 12v, but I am curious to see what 12v generators/alternators worked for you, and what brackets you used. I have a 53 Plymouth with the stock 218. Sent from my XT1650 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The first alternator I used on my flathead was a single wire. Now, for looks, I have a Powermaster. Some call it Powergen. Same thing. Looks good and looks like the original generator. The Powermaster comes with it's own bracket which looks very close to the original flathead generator bracket. Sent from my SM-G930T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
In my 8BA I just had the fields in the 6v generator I had switched to those from a 12v generator a couple of years newer and was good to go.
Another choice is to just buy an early 12 volt Y block generator. These have bolt lugs on the front casing that can be easily removed. These are the same exact diameter of flathead 6 volts and you can use the same bracket.
I just switched mine over, and I bit the bullet and spent the money on a powermaster alternator in a generator case. Looks exactly like an original generator but is an alternator. When I was researching the convert, I saw quite a few resources for it, including a fairly common switch (from what I could tell it was a popular thing to do) using a GM 10SI Alternator. Of course it brought up the argument about stock look vs new, but whatever. If it works, it works. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Do you have any part numbers I can use as reference? Sent from my XT1650 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I have a GM 10SI in there now, but it doesn't line up properly with my stock brackets. Sent from my XT1650 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I remember reading an aftermarket bracket was needed to make it work correctly. I was going to go the same route as I found the GM for around 40 bucks, but my engine is the original motor it rolled off the ***embly line with and decided to stay stock looking for the sake of history etc. I will say the price of the power master hurt a little lol. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Well the problem for me is finding the right after market bracket. I picked up the basic chrome bracket from a local parts store, but it mounts the Alternator too low and won't reach the top bracket. I think I am going to see if I can find a 12v Generator. Sent from my XT1650 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I paid about 375 for mine, but unless you know what to look for, it looks just like the stock gen. And plus side is not hunting down special brackets haha, although eBay has become my best friend with that type of thing, as well as (which was a complete surprise to me they even had 51 parts) AutoZone. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Y-blocks were used between 1954 until 1964. 12V negative ground - 1956. Generators were both 6 V and 12V, the 12 volt generators were on some Fords thru the mid 60s - I think about '65 was when most were alternators, some like TBirds etc. were earlier. Just put google to work.
I found a shop that just moved from LA to Fontana here in California, and they are modifying my stock generator bracket to fit the new alternator, and they are converting my 6v starter to 12v. These people really know what they are doing. If anyone in the southern California area needs any alternator or starter work for their cars, this is the place to go. CP Generators Inc 909 463-0606 Sent from my XT1650 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
To piggyback ....a stock 6v flathead starter will work fine with a 12v conversion with no problems. Sent from my SM-G930T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hey Dave, you realize Martin is working on a Plymouth, right? Do Plymouths of that era have a solenoid on the starter? If they do you will need to switch the solenoid to a 12 volt. But maybe not the armature or field coils of the starter, as sometimes they will work fine on the extra volts. I've been using a 6 volt Ford starter on 12 volts for ten years with no modifications.
Damn it! You're right! I think Ford Flathead when I hear flathead. I went right over it. NEVER MIND....
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