Looking for a Generator/Alternator Shop

I have a 59 VW Bug, with a fixed generator stand, so my options for a direct replacement to switch to 12 volt are very limited (Porsche Generator=$$$$). I was looking for some recomendations on where I could get my 6 volt generator rewound to produce some respectable amps when used with a 12 volt regulator.

Thanks

 

This forum is for TRADITIONAL HOT RODS & CUSTOMS. Before it gets nasty and shut down I will first say why not use a generator from a 1967 Bug, first year of 12v, or later - or an alternator kit? Did that on mine, smartest thing i did to the car

And second maybe you should ask the question here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/index.php

 

I'll one-up ya.

I have a generator/power steering pump that run on the same shaft off of a 331 Hemi-equipped Imperial (a '55). I'd like to run it, but I'd like to put out 12 volts, and quite a few amps, and was wondering the same thing.

I've heard you could have a 6v generator rewound to be a 12v before. I've even see how to gut a flathead generator and make it into an alternator, but I've never had anyone really go into it much, or mention if this is something all alternator/starter shops can do or not.

So let the guy continue - generators are generators. And besides, I just made this a traditional hot rod thread.

~Jason

 

Generators can be rewind to 12 alternators. The only problem is the parts are hard to obtain at times and not to many shops do this anymore . most shops are remove and replace these days.I do these conversions for flathead fords but they are costly. More than what some want to pay for them.

 

Check with these folks I never been disappointed with their work

Gen-Star Electric

6832 N 63rd Ave, Glendale (623) 939-2202

later jim

 

try A & B electric in nashville 615 259-4454

 

Another gen star vote

 

probably my only regret in life I SOLD MY STARTER and ALTERNATOR SHOP in 2000, when I read these threads about generators is when it hits, my dad started the shop, I took over mid 80's, he died 1998 , I sold-----but by then that old man had taught me his generator knowledge, I know we talk hot rods here but tractor charging systems are the same thing---If I had stayed there with the intenet age I could be sitting there calling the shots, building cars and generators--oh well=onward thru the fog

 

never had a VW, always liked them, dated a girl that had one, took it to the drive in movie a few times

 

http://www.smithae.com/ Call them and ask for Jim Thomas and ask him if they can fix you up. They aren't cheap but do good work and usually have a quick turn around and Jim not only owns it but is into old cars.

And they do stuff in and out UPS or mail on a regular basis.

 

Seriously, on a VW just bolt on a later 12v gen and be done - Sheesh

 

Don's right. Then watch all the bulbs pop. Change the regulator first.
Chirco.com,,,great guys and his dad is a MAJOR Packard authority.
kinda keepin it on the rails.

 

$45-95 depending on brand from here... http://www.rockauto.com/
Don't think you can get one rewound any cheaper.

 

$52.00 at any O'Reilly auto parts ....

And yes, he will also have to change his light bulbs (don't forget the dash lights) the regulator, and get a step down for the Windshield Wipers. The starter motor will be fine. And a battery. And the radio if it has one, either a converter or a new radio.

 

Just for pure curiosity's sake, highball me and lowball me on cost to do something like that.

~Jason

 

All pre 59 beetles and older are 36/25HP and have a fixed generator stand. So in short one can not bolt on a later sytle generator and call it a day. I know what i need to change for the conversion, only hard part is the actual power source.

Everyone else, thanks for the shops and info, that was the kind of information i was looking for when i posted.

 

My bad, missed that it was a 59 36HP.

So the inexpensive way to do it requires some machining. You machine the radius of the stand to fit the larger diameter of the 12v generator. You can do that with a flycutter in a mill. Yuo can also hand gring it to the larger size but it takes a staedy hand and a good eye.
Next you need a backing tin from a 68-71 Bus and the fan and hub. use the 36HP generator pulley and a 1600 lower pulley with a 900 x 10 belt and you are in business.

Or you can find someone to wind the 6v generator to 12v

 

Well let's see... there is Nelson Armature on Grand River in Redford Township. There are two or three generator/starter shops on Ford Road in Garden City. And, finally there is a generator/starter shop on Grand River in the little town of New Hudson. That's where I would start.

 

Thanks man, I will try them. I called a few other places and they were either to far away or did not know. GC would be awesome.