replacing generator with alternator

[joemo]

Can anyone recommend an alternator to replace the generator in my 62 Cutlass convertible? Is this a relatively easy replacement?

[62cutlassconvert]

I know D&D has wiring and alternators. Keeping my gen for now but don’t think it’s much to change. Probably a std alternator, diff brkt, and a wiring pigtail. Someone here has done it for sure or check the classicoldsforum

[macf85]

G.M. switched to alternators in 1963. Getting a bracket for a ’63 F-85 would be the easiest thing to do without having to modify anything. Then you could get a rebuilt alternator for a ’63 and splice in your aftermarket wiring harness. You’ll have to check pulley alignment with the crank pulley, etc.

[joe_padavano]

[quote quote=11222]G.M. switched to alternators in 1963. Getting a bracket for a ’63 F-85 would be the easiest thing to do without having to modify anything. Then you could get a rebuilt alternator for a ’63 and splice in your aftermarket wiring harness. You’ll have to check pulley alignment with the crank pulley, etc.[/quote]

This is exactly what I did on my 62. The 63 alternator bracket bolts right up. I initially used a 12SI that I had laying around but later went to a CS130. It’s been working fantastic for nearly five years now.

[62cutlassconvert]

I think M&H Electrical Fabricators (the repro wiring harness people) have a conversion pigtail too.

[joe_padavano]

It’s extremely easy to wire an internal-regulator alternator without buying an aftermarket pigtail. The two wires from the generator to the old regulator go away (mine were melted anyway). The brown wire from the GEN light goes to terminal #1 on the 12SI or the “L” terminal on the CS130. Run a wire from terminal #2 on the SI or the “S” terminal on the CS to the junction block for sensing. Run a heavy gauge wire from the threaded BATT terminal to the junction block for the main charge wire. Finally, the CS family is sensitive to the ground path, so I always run a ground strap from the aft frame of the alternator to the block. That’s all that’s required.

[joemo]

Thanks for all the information. I want to get this done soon so I can finally drive the car at night. I drove it twice with the lights on and could not restart the car.

[bstang]

Anyone know where I can find a 63 bracket?

[macf85]

If no-one on this site has an extra one you’re probably going to get one from a salvage yard or swap meet. You could start with Desert Valley Auto Parts. They have lots of early model cars from the dry-arid part of the U.S. I’m sure there are other salvage yards that deal nationally.

Good luck.

[bstang]

Thanks

[Author]

Posts