Plymouth Owners Club

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: 12905 on May 05, 2008, 12:18:29 AM

Title: Gener-nator
Post by: 12905 on May 05, 2008, 12:18:29 AM
Does anyone have experience with one of these? I know it's pricey compared to a modified Delco, but the original appearance of the generator is retained. I'm thinking of one for my 36.

All information gratefully received.

Brian
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: Buddy Romines on May 05, 2008, 08:13:24 AM
Good Morning Brian:

Unable to find an attachment to look at the unit.  If you are refering to an alternator that looks like a generator, let me add that I have nothing but the original generators on my '40 P10 and '54 Studebaker and both do very well keeping the battery charged.  I drive the '54 to work every day 9 miles through town and have zero problems, even using the heater motor, defroster motor and headlights.  Both unit were taken to our local old-time starter/generator/alternator place and have as yet to fail to work great.

Enjoy your old car...   Buddy...
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: Bob on May 05, 2008, 09:09:25 AM
Brian,
I too like Buddy have the original generator in my '40 P-10.
The car is used daily from April thru November, the gen as operated with no problems at this point

I have a very good friend that also has a 1940 P-10, who drives his car much more than I do that has a generator.

Hope this helps,
Bob
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: 12905 on May 05, 2008, 05:21:25 PM
Hi Guys:

Thanks very much for the input. If I had a fully regulated generator as you do I would not think of changing. If my memory has not failed completely due to extreme age, 1940 - 48 Mopar generators could produce at least 40 amps. My old third brush type will produce about 20 - 25 amps on a good day. On top of that, it will not reduce the charge rate when the battery is fully charged, so on a trip of more than a very few miles there is a very good chance of the battery being overcharged with subsequent damage. If I reduce the generator's output, then I risk a dead battery if I attempt to use lights, or do a lot of stop and go, slow driving. I could go to a later, fully regulated generator, but the regulator and wiring will give away the fact that it is not original. The beauty of the "Gener-nator" is that it looks totally original in that the alternator is hidden in the original generator housing. I'm not an absolute stickler for total originality, but I do like to hide any upgrades as much as possible.

Again, thanks for your interest.

Brian
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: TodFitch on May 05, 2008, 06:52:12 PM
Quote from: 12905 on May 05, 2008, 05:21:25 PM
Hi Guys:

Thanks very much for the input. If I had a fully regulated generator as you do I would not think of changing. If my memory has not failed completely due to extreme age, 1940 - 48 Mopar generators could produce at least 40 amps. My old third brush type will produce about 20 - 25 amps on a good day. On top of that, it will not reduce the charge rate when the battery is fully charged, so on a trip of more than a very few miles there is a very good chance of the battery being overcharged with subsequent damage. If I reduce the generator's output, then I risk a dead battery if I attempt to use lights, or do a lot of stop and go, slow driving. I could go to a later, fully regulated generator, but the regulator and wiring will give away the fact that it is not original. The beauty of the "Gener-nator" is that it looks totally original in that the alternator is hidden in the original generator housing. I'm not an absolute stickler for total originality, but I do like to hide any upgrades as much as possible.

Again, thanks for your interest.

Brian

I believe that while your third brush system was equipped with a voltage regulator. At least the DeLuxe models from 1934 and up were and I thought that the standard models after 1935 were also so equipped. But even if your generator is not equipped with an external regulator you can get a cheaper modification than the Gener-nator. . .

Assuming, that is, that the total power out you need is still within the range that can be provided by the stock generator.

Here is what I did: http://www.ply33.com/Repair/voltreg

Edit: My setup is for the 1934 and earlier Delco Remy generator. However I understand that the fellow makes the same type of regulator that should fit the 1935 and later AutoLite.
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: chetbrz on May 05, 2008, 08:26:44 PM
Brian,

If you do go with the Gener-nator let me know how it works out.? When the generator in my 29 went south and fried my wiring.? I mounted a 6vdc alternator that is a favorite with the Modal A crowd near me.? I have seen the ads for these generator look alikes in Hemmings.? I thinks it would be nicer to install a more suitable substitute.

(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chetscoins.com%2F1929%2Fimages%2FAlternator01.jpg&hash=4eddc5d681f2a6eadd139eb7c83d78b8a4989925)

PS? I have converted back to more original parts then I have converted over to substitutes like the above.? In the meantime the substitutes keep me rolling reliably.

Just for the record my Current Projects are:

To date no original Plymouth parts have been harmed.? They may have been embarrassed a little, but never physically harmed.

Chet?
Title: Re: Gener-nator
Post by: 36 Ply on May 05, 2008, 11:53:03 PM
Chet-

I like your attitude and sense of humor.

Keep on truckin'...

Regards,

Pat O'Connor