Alternator in a GM generator case?

Wondering if anyone has successfully converted a late 50's/early '60s GM generator to an alternator? Anyone have a internal diameter of a typical early GM generator? Anyone have part numbers for alternator that would fit? I know you can buy one of the Powergens from Speedway for around $400.00, but I'd like to use an original generator housing and see if I can save a few bucks. Thanks.

 

just guessing here but i think a 10si will be too big, you might need to go import....like a mitsubishi and some vents. maybe make the center out of aluminum and thin for more inside room.

 

Oldtimer- I figured an import alternator was a must. There's good post on a doing this with a flathead generator in the Tech archives.

Anyone got measurements on the Chevy generator?

 

Seems like a lot of trouble for only a small return. I just changed mine over from an alternator back to a generator/voltage regulator system. I don't do a lot of stop and go driving so there is no different. I would think the only good reason might be a lot of electronic stuff on your car or that you spend a great deal of time at idle......

just my 2 cents

 

sorry to point out the obvious......i'll see if i still have one around still.....

 

There are some tractor alternators that are small enough. They even have the right pulley.

 

I read an article on doing this a few years back, but cant remember where, Hot Rod Mechanix or American Rodder I think. They used an import alternator and turned the case O.D down to fit in the GM generator case (I think they also bored the gen case out a bit).
I later heard that the biggest drawback was that the alternator would overheat and burn out from being inside the steel generator case. Maybe this is why the ones from Speedway have aluminum cases?

 

Kubota alternators work in the GM case. My buddie has one on his Hemi..

 

I thought I saw an article on this in Street Rodder a few years back. Maybe try a search on their website. Can't remember the details. Too many miles on the brain cells I guess.

 

Wasn't it a GEO Metro alternator people were using for this? I'd really like to do something similar......around here there is almost nothing but stop and go driving!

 

ive searched this..there is info. on here..and those who have done it..there is also a company out there making a product using this same idea..google and HAMB search is very useful

 

Thanks for all the input. I'll check on the kuboto alternators. I agree there will be heat issues to overcome. Von Rigg- I did a search. Found a post about doing this wiht a flathead generator, nothing on old GM.

 

Huh..i thought i found it on here...

well if i find it i will get it on here for you..
i did do some google search and found a Co. doing this..maybe they were ford Gens?..if so my bad.
I got away from the idea due to the heat issue and where to hang the beast, and not having the machines to make it myself

 

It seems that you could drill some vent holes in the areas of the generator housing that don't show to let air through. I don't know if that would cure the overheating but it might get it down to where the things wouldn't fail so quick.

 

Here's the Powergen unit. There case needs to be aluminum- right? How'd they get around the heat issue? Anyone have one?

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-Powergens,5867.html

 

the one Company i found (small shop) wasnt a "powergen" ..dam!..wish i could find it again

 

400 bucks so it looks like you have a generator? that's just nuttty

 

agreed!..i looked at them for 2.5 seconds and came up with the same realization

 

I was reading and checking out stuff on Jay Leno's garage and saw this

http://www.gener-nator.com/index.htm

a bit expensive but you might like it

 

Excactly! That's why I was thinking of making the alteration myself...

 

Thanks for the link Ralhpyboy, but you are right- that is waay too expensive...