generator output/alternators????

Unknown

OK, guys. I know I am about to bring down the wrath of somebody for

even raising this question, but I need to do so.



I finally completed the wiring job on my '29 Town Sedan, with the last

step being to hook up the headlights. I find that the generator can't

keep up with the demand. Part of the problem is that I chose to convert

to halogen bulbs, which are higher wattage than the original bulbs, but

that isn't all the problem; even with the current demand of OEM bulbs I

would be "running in the red" with headlights on. (I measured the

resistance on the filament of one of the bulbs that was in the

headlight, and found 1.2 ohms on low beam and 0.9 ohms on high beam.

This would equate to, respectively, 32 watts on low beam and 42 watts

on high beam, whereas the new bulbs draw 55 watts on low and 60 watts

on high -- 19 to 20 amps for both headlights, depending on what you

figure as "base" voltage. Even at the lower wattage of the OEM bulb,

we're looking at 10 amps on low beam and 14 amps on high beam. This

is right at the limit of the generator's "stock new" output rating of

13 amps when warm.



With the lights on low beam, I am seeing a negative current (battery

discharge) of about 15 amps, which means the generator is keeping up

with the ignition coil and a few amps worth of demand for the lights,

but not nearly enough. (Without lights on, I get about 10 amps positive

current when the car is first running and the generator is working to

recharge the battery).



Which leads me to the conclusion that if I intend to drive the Town

Sedan at night, more than briefly, I need to convert to an alternator.

Horrors!



I figure there must be a way to do this that is "non-destructive" --

that is, mount it on a bracket that will allow it to be removed and the

car restored to original condition of anyone so chooses.



I guess the main question is where to mount the alternator and where to

mount the pulley for the drive belt. It would seem that the drive

pulley either has to mount up front, driven by a larger-size belt that

would drive the fan and the alternator, or pull the generator and mount

a drive pulley in its place, possibly with a fabricated shaft that

would "mimic" the original generator mechanically.



So, for all those who have determined not to lynch me, I have the

following questions:



1. Any reason NOT to do this (that is, I'm going to burn out the

ampmeter, etc.)

2. Where to mount the alternator and the drive pulley?

3. Any recommendation on alternator brands either to get or to avoid?

I'm looking at the JC Whitney catalog which offers an 80 amp alternator

for about $80. Is that a unit worth considering?