The ***le pretty well sums it up. I am working on the finishing details of my 32 build and on the charging system in particular. I am running a Flathead and want to retain the generator and to that end I have changed the generator to 12 volts by using the case, field coils and end plate from a later 12 volt Ford (57 I think). Now I need a regulator. I have searched the archives and have found nothing definitive. What I would like is a brand and part number of one that is known to work on my modified generator. I understand this combination is pretty common. I have checked the parts catalogs and have found lots of them varying in price from less than $10 to more than $100 and they all look alike to me. Confusing, but then I'm easily confused. Any help will be appreciated. Keith
If it is a Ford it is probably an Autolite generator. You need an Autolite regulator for the correct amp output. Being a Ford it is probably not too much, maybe 35 amp? It does not have to be the same make or model, I have used a Delco regulator with a Bosch generator in the past. But there are small differences that make it handier to use the same make of regulator. It needs to have the correct amp capacity or larger if you don't want it to burn out prematurely. Getting a regulator for a 57 Ford would be the easiest.
Most manufacturers of replacement regulators made them for all common applications, just like they still do with many common tune-up parts. Quality has become a bit of a **** shoot, and some brands like Echlin make 2 quality levels...since this is a walk home/watch your car burn sort of part, get the better one! I think all the resto parts places like C&G will have what you need, but do inquire about brand name ans buy their best available, and parts stores can still supply them through normal channels. Ford cataloging will be messy, with several amp ratings listed. Almost all will be the lowest, because the higher rated ones were for police cars and such and were never common. I do not think you will find any easy ID of rating so this needs to be a guess. So just order what the catalog shows for base '57 Ford. I've posted the polarizing instructions. Be SURE you find the Ford instructions (the same for 6 and 12 from '39-end of generators about '63), as at least half the people you ask will give you the instructions for GM wiring circuit which will lead to smoke. The systems are grounded differently! A Delco VR made for a Ford App uses the Ford circuitry and polarization, obviously. Wiring is simple, A-A, F-F, be sure to run direct ground wire from G post to baseplate of reg to your ground cable termination. For service purposes, just order low amp '57 parts for any of that stuff, flathead parts of correct year for front plate bearings and armature.
Thanks to all who have responded. I have a regulator on the way it's a 30 amp that is supposed to be a direct replacement. I do have another question re: the wiring. My generator case has no terminal marked F. I have one terminal marked A and one marked G located one the generator housing itself and an insulated terminal located on the back plate not stamped, There is also a small screw (#10) on the back plate that looks like it could be used for a ground connection. Any ideas on how to hook this thing up? Keith
you might have luck trying flatheads forever or ford barn or other ford specific sites.I think you will find what you on need these hope this helps
G terminal should be the ground connection and should be mounted right into case with no insulation, F should be insulated and is Field, A is Armature. My memory says the A is on the back cover, F and G on side of case...I'm at work and don't have a generator here to look at. They're all in my living room where they belong.
Nothing is more relaxing than a well decorated living room. The two connections on the generator are marked "G" and "F" which would indicate Ground & Field respectively. The end plate has two connections also, neither is marked, one is a #10 or #12 stud that is insulated . I would ***ume that it is the "A" or Armature connection. The other is a #6 or #8 machine screw with a star washer. Could this be a second ground? If so where is it connected? Keith
The insulated one would of course be A...I think the other is non-standard, and may be ignored or linked over to G to solidify the ground path of the end plate.
OK. that's answered the question! Thanks to all who have taken their time to contribute, it is very much appreciated. Keith
Keith sounds like you did source a Ford style voltage regulator. For information purposes only...the Ford (or Delco) can be amperage and voltage adjusted, as well as cut out relay adjusted. However, you CANNOT use a Delco(GM) regulator in a Ford application, as the 2 generators have different circuits. GM has an"A" circuit with a generator that controls the amount of ground to the field, where the Ford is a "B" circuit and the regulator controls the amount of positive current to the field. In any case, you would be miles ahead to take Regulator and Generator into a COMPETENT auto electric shop and have them tested and set on the bench.
Also, because of the different ground paths you must use the Ford polarizing technique and not the GM...I guarantee you that if you ask around, half the respondents will give you the GM instructions! I've posted the right one on here. In the good old days...regulators were packed with the instructions and a set of cardboard tags to put on the wires while they were disconnected...
Also, a mechanic who opens up a mechanism for diagnosis or repair is a pretty scarce breed...modern practice is pretty strictly quick external check followed by replacement of the ***embly...actually figuring out how the black box works and trying to fix it is pretty much an amateur sport indulged in by rodders and restorers.
I found an NOS Atlas on Ebay. it has very cool graphics which I love... and it was manufactured in the good ole. U. S. of A. long before the reproduction ****. Do a search and you should be able to find my tech post on the conversion with a wiring diagram. It was a long time ago now.
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