should i get my gen rebuilt or look for another one

hoggyrubber
hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
edited September 2012 in HUDSON
my gen isn't putting out any juice. it was the one i got on the 52 engine i am running. i got the correct voltage reg for it it is the intermediate autolite one- gdz 6001 best i remember. i called a local place and they said they could rebuild it from $75 to $320 depending what it needs. the voltage reg is a nos one who knows if it works or not, but it looks good. :)) this is actually a earlyer gen not orig to my 53. any input if i should get it rebuilt ot look for a used gen/reg? any info on what they usually cost used? thanks stacy k

Comments

  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    If you are planniing to drive the car for years to come, taking to shows, etc, I would spend my money on a alternator. About $100-$125.00. Will always keep the battery charged, and are very reliable. I had my gen overhauled, but still wasn't happy. I also had my starter overhauled, and juiced up.(More power).
    My Alt has been in 2 years now, and along with the Optima battery, that starter kicks that engine into doing what it's supposed to do.
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    I have been down both trails. I have had cars where the generator was rebuilt (less than $50), I I have had Hudsons where it converted to a 12 V Generator (again less than $50) and I have wound starters as 12V as wel. Now, on my next project I am planning to return to what Hudson did best. It will be a rebuilt generator, rebuilt starter and a six volt system. My 36 is set up that way and the way it works is how Hudson intended for it to work. It could be that all the mechanicals in my 36 are new and all the electricals are new but the system works great. So speaking as someone that has done it all; I, like the original system the best.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Go with the one wire alternator with the 2 wire plug, red wire connects to the battery connection on the back side and the white wire connects to your amp light. You also need the alternator bracket. The 212 engine spins easy but the 232-262 and the 308 needs strong batteries. From day one the Hornet had starter problems when engine was hot. Walt.
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited September 2012
    I took Walts advice and got a Alternator. After 3 used generators, 2 new voltage regulators and changeing brushes to keep it original, I bought a 6V pos ground one wire from Howard Enterprises 620-228-1477 for $94.95 free shipping. Ask for Bill. It was a pleasure talking with someone that is willing to take the time to answer all questions. The price was better than the $175 I was quoted to have my generator rebuilt.

    If you want to stay original have generator rebuilt.

    Lee O'Dell
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Have had Walt's recommended set-up for several years now, and, if you want a driver, it solves a lot of problems before they start. One of the guys in the SoCal Chapter, or the Calf Inland Chapter sells a great alternator bracket, very sturdy, which I bought after my generic mount broke. My understanding about generators is that they work fine, but they have to work in tandem with the V. Regulator, and it's not always easy to find people today who know how to keep them adjusted properly. Also, they still don't charge at low speeds. Your generator might just need some brushes, or it may be fried, or it could be OK and your regulator might be bad. In any case, Walt's set-up for the alternator is a good fix. Oh, for your fan belt...I believe the Hudson generator pulleys will mount on most alternators, depending on the year of the car....Good Luck, Bob
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    wow, thanks for all the good advice. i decided to stay 6 volt pos ground after reading a lot on here a couple of years back. i think i am will give that alt a try. i would like to stay original, but if it looks like a real advantage and it is cheaper- i want to go that route. 100 bucks from the place Lee recomended sounds like a good price! so if i get the alt i don't use a voltage reg at all? that's kind of a shame i made that part of the wiring harness already!
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    i just noticed howard enterprises sell the one wire alt on ebay. i had forgot but 10 years ago a friend of mine got something like this for his older tractor.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Forget the original if you want to drive your car. From day one with a generator, if you got stuck in traffic at night, stop and go, you will run out of battery and headlights start to dim, and if engine stalls, no starter to restart. Go the alternator route and enjoy the starts and the drive, as they still charge when idling. Make sure you get the 60 amp unit. I have 60 amps on my car and I have cruise control, air condition, electric wipers, modern ignition and can drive at night with no problems. Walt.
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    What Walt Says:
    Didn't all cars start to have alts, in 1955! This is 2012. To many nice things available to enjoy the ride, and not worry about situations. You'll probably loose your Gen light and oil light. Big deal on the oil light. When that came on in the past you were in deep doodoo, anyway. I have an oil gauge installed and it keeps me abreast of oil pressure in the engine. GM 51-54 had oil gauges that I know of.
    Hopefully next week we are installing a Pertronix Ignition. Goodbye to points. Too many nice things to keep that engine purring like a kitten, with power when you want it. You will never look back with an alternator.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    One thing, the 1 wire alternator will also run the amp light if you use the 2 wire plug that goes with it. Red wire goes to the battery post on the back side of the alternator and the white wire connects to the amp light wire that was connected at the voltage regulator. Every thing works as before. The oil light connects right to the sender under the exhaust manifold and has nothing to do with the alternator. Walt.
  • coverton
    coverton Expert Adviser
    Good points by all but think about it why did all the mfg go 12 volt and alt back in the 50's. 12 volt used battery and second hand 10S1 and a bit of redoing suits so much better.If i get arouind to it I plan to redo a 49 Nash with a Hitachi truck alt and use the spline out the back side to turn the water pump.Personal but dont like 6 volt -always remember the trouble we had as a kid with sorry 6 volt systems in all our family cars
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