Hey gang, I have read many of the old threads on 12 volt conversions, which are great. What I couldn't find is whether anyone recommends a particular alternator and bracket set up to use for the conversion. I have no confidence in my ability to follow Nate's directions regarding drilling holes in the old generator's bracket. Anyone just go into NAPA and buy a particular alternator for this, and anyone know a good conversion bracket? A little short of confidence in my ability to do the alternator portion of the conversion...... Eric
Be sure to get the one that dont have to have a voltage regulator. I think it is called S10. Not the S10 pickup. They were on nearly every kind and make. Can be ran with 1 wire.
216/235/261 Aleternator Bracket Go to parts store and buy a 1989 V-6Chevy Camaro alternator , it's the SI typ that can be run with only one wire and EVERYONE carries it so you'll never be stranded if it poops out on the road . Then , buy the cheapest alternator mounting kit or beat , drill and file the old generator bracket until it fits..... I should take pictures of my old generator bracket , when I got my truck it was bent up and rusty , had numerous miss drilled holes in it , I just tinkered until it worked , simple and nearly free ~ I hand carried it to the hardware bin and fitted up a long bolt then added flat washers until I knew I had enough to do the job , tossed the extras in my tool box . The tools used were : BIG hammer , heavy duty crescent wrench (to unbend the ends whilst it was bolted to the block) , round file and of course , a couple hand wrenches pretty simple , if I could muddle through it , anyone can IMO .
Thanks for the suggestions gang. I get a kick out of Nate saying if he can do it, anyone can. Somehow I suspect that is not quite so!!!! Eric
Eric Bought mine at CPOA fore the 235 CI engine. The alternator bracket fore the 216 and 235 are not quite the same in shape and hole distances.The mounting holes in the 216and 235 blocks are a bit different to. I tryed to drill the extra hole but although the 216 bracket became to short to get the alternator in line to get the belt towards the pump in the right position. Martinius.
More money then brains If you are like me, why reinvent the wheel. If Classic Chevy does not have a bracket try Patrick's. Ma is still mad at Nate for turning down her fried chicken. I can tell you her chicken ain't killed a sole.....but watch out for that cast iron skillet! Flashlight
Trust Me ~ When I tell you I'm just an old Farm/Junkyard/Used Car/Gas Station Mechanic if any of you alls saw my battered but viable 1949 Chevy 3100 series shop truck , you'd be flabbergasted it's still running and that I'll drive it anywhere at the drop of a hat ~ my suggestions and advice work because it's old tech , low tech , just like the trucks are . if you want to fix it right , ask Evan or any of the many others here who're professional Mechanics . I just muddle though with what I've got on hand and trying to always think outside the box . Work slowly and carefully , *think* before you do anything as the solution is usualy right there . Measure THRICE before cutting once . it's coffee & bagel time , I'm outta here
Humble as always if you want to fix it right , ask Evan or any of the many others here who're professional Mechanics . I just muddle though with what I've got on hand and trying to always think outside the box . Work slowly and carefully , *think* before you do anything as the solution is usualy right there . Measure THRICE before cutting once . Nate, Don't sell yourself short. Thinking outside the box, and working carefully are the foundation for success. I am 40, and strongly believe in doing things the best that you can. I work with a lot of younger mechanics. Believe me, it is a lost art. Nobody cares about quality, just quantity. It is, and will be the downfall of this country I believe. We need more people like you that are willing to work hard, even in constant pain, do their best, and tell it like it is. I have never met you, but feel like we could be good friends just based on your attitude, and willingness to help others any way possible. I wish more were like you. My hats off to you good sir!!! ..........Mike
This is all wrong. Sure we do some real adaptations but advice from me compared to Nate's is like apples and oranges. Nate's is real world stuff learned through the years by one who is obviously observant, talented, and intelligent in his approach to everyday solutions that can be passed on to others with great clarity. We on the other hand have all the toys to do things that very few shops have. My contributions come from when something is going on that I think, Eureka, here is something I can pass on to the guys on the forum that they can do with basic tools. Time allowing I will even let the machines set idle while I do something with tools found in a home garage. Probably the best thing that comes from my posts are someone can see something we've done on say the $600,000+ Haas five axis mill and then be able to nearly match it with a drill, a hacksaw, and a grinder. That is ingenuity and talent in my opinion and what Nate and others of you have.
Well THANX ! As I said before ; If'n you saw my battered old truck wheezing down some country road 2,000 miles from home , you'd prolly wonder how the heck I got it there.... That's what the Canadian customs guy said when SWMBO & I rolled up to thier border in my primered saved from the crusher Metropolitan Nash convertible he musta thought I was a drug runner or summat as he sent us off to scondary inspection where the nice ladies laughed and said ' enjoy Canada ! ' . We did too . Sometimes the old ways are best . I'm still learning and wish I could work with some of you alls as you seem to have the right attitude , sort of " Git 'Er Done ! " without the tomfoolery and guns . I try to be helpful & pragmatic in my Tech Advice , it must work as Mercedes Benz No. America tapped me for tech advise on the older cars . Didja ever figure out the correct alternator ? the GM SI one from late 1980's cars fits well and has over 55 ampere rating . Caddies from that vintage often have 100 ampere SI alternators but really , 55 or so is plenty . Also , SAAB 900 Coupes & convertibles have a nifty Bosch one that puts out 90 + amps @ 31.7 Volts and is internally regulated and they're filling up the junkyards with them .
