my generator is toast, need a little info

The generator on my '57 took a***** yesterday during some pre-Indy shakedown cruising, so I've decided now is a good time to swap in a 1-wire gm alternator. When I go to the parts store & they ask what car it's off of, what do I ask for? I know these guys are clueless if it's not in their computer. Any help is appreciated. WWS

 

Do you have a place that rebuilds starters and Alternators in your area. If so just go there and tell them what you are doing and they will be more help than someone at Murrys that can only look up parts in the computer by make and model of a car.

Wish I could be more help. I know there are lots of hotrodders in the Dayton area, shouldn't be a big problem.

 

from what I understand, most "parts stores" Advanced, Auto Zone, don't have them, I had to find out the hard way. I got one from Jegs, In Dayton try ...the name escapes me but it's in Bevercreek. Off of Patterson. They deal with alot of older cars, and the newer setup stuff. 1-wires, etc.

 

my local Advance Auto told me that they could get a 1 wire for me. They would have to order it though. I was looking for the GM 3 wire one though. If I were you, I would get that one. It is 1973 and up (least thats what I asked for) and costs less than the 1 wire type. After a little bit of confusion and a LOT of help here from some HAMBers I was able to wire mine in NO problems.

FWIW the GM 3 wire job I got came with a neat-o diagram that made things easier. Find the "OLD" guy behind the counter at Advance auto.....the one who looks like he has some experience. The guy who helped me was youngish, but I already knew from past encounters that he knew his stuff....

VT.

 

yeah,if you get a one wire alt. there is also the fear that later if you go to any local parts store for another one when that one blows,you might not find one.i'd get whatever is cheaper and more available so you wouldnt have to hunt to find a replacement in a pinch.
Creepy