Voltage Regulator Needed

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I'm on the lookout for an AutoLite VRD-4003-A voltage regulator (preferably N.O.S.) for my '37 Terraplane. An aftermarket or replacement type would be fine. I have sent a few inquiries out and these may pay off, but I thought I'd post here, 'just in case'. I was under the impression that this interchanges with other mid-thirties cars (possibly Chrysler Corp.) but I'm not sure.



My address is HETdetailed@verizon.net -- remove the HET first before sending. Thanks for any leads or suggestions!

Comments

  • jtroberg
    jtroberg Member
    Hi Jon, if you get any responses would you please share them? I'm looking for one also.



    John T
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Contact Hudzilla, If he doesn't have one he may be able to get you a replacement number.
    Bob
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Jon

    I hope you find a reg. I also hope you will bring your 37 terraplane to the national meet I have been waiting a few years to see it!

    Chuck G
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Look at the classified ads in the May/June issue of WTN page 39.
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    This voltage regulator you are looking for has four terminals and is for a three brush generator?
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Thanks for the thoughts. The WTN ad for regulators doesn't seem to list the one I need (unless I'm sure they happen to interchange). And...actually, the original regulator would have five terminals (one for 'ground') but I think four would do.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Thanks for the research, Rick. However, I have a model 72, which shares electrical components with the Hudson. The CBA "regulator" is used by the models 70 and 71, and it's really only a 'cutout'. I don't claim to be an expert, but I don't think it will work.
  • jtroberg
    jtroberg Member
    Jon is correct. Terraplane models 70 and 71 (I have a 70) use the CBA cutout, coupled with a generator with only one lead to the cutout - the other being grounded to the generator body. This is kind of a 'cheapie' setup producing less amps. The higher amp generator in the model 72 and the Hudsons has two leads and uses the VRD Voltage regulator. The two systems probably are not interchangeable. I have the specifics somewhere if anyone is interested.

    John T
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    It has been suggested that I upgrade to the '48-9 generator, whose mating regulator is much more widely available (than the '37) and which has a higher output (a 'plus'). Has anyone attempted this in their 1937 Hudson or Terraplane? Is the generator / regulator wiring circuitry the same as the earlier setup? Does the generator fit on the 1937 bracket?
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Jon B wrote:
    It has been suggested that I upgrade to the '48-9 generator, whose mating regulator is much more widely available (than the '37) and which has a higher output (a 'plus'). Has anyone attempted this in their 1937 Hudson or Terraplane? Is the generator / regulator wiring circuitry the same as the earlier setup? Does the generator fit on the 1937 bracket?



    You can use any generator, from '48 thru '55, coupled with the matching regulator, but you may have to change the front pulley depending on whether the replacement generator has the wide or narrow pulley. (The Jet used a narrow fan belt and pulley). The generators bolt straight on to the mounting bracket. The regulators use three wires, B,F and A. The B wire connects to the wire that went to the original cut-out. The F and A wires go to the matching connections on the generator. You can use any Chrysler and Studebaker generators and regulators of this era as well, as they are all Auto-Lite.

    Geoff.
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    This regulator is suppose to be for a three brush generator, but I cann't verify it.



    Standard Motor Products VR216 or NAPA VR898.



    Here is a picture.



    http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=ECH&PartNumber=VR898&Description=Voltage+Regulator
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Thank you for this information. However, how can I verify that either of these is a precise match for the original AutoLite one mated to my generator?
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    Jon B wrote:
    Thank you for this information. However, how can I verify that either of these is a precise match for the original AutoLite one mated to my generator?



    If it is for a three brush AutoLite generator with a externally grounded field, it should work with your generator since it only has to regulate the voltage. In a three brush generator system, the third brush regulates the current.
  • EssexAdv
    EssexAdv Expert Adviser, Member
    JB, I might be able to help. Give me a call on Sat or Sunday

    Lew
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