Dynamo alternator swap

[s2c-08616]

Been down this road before, so please humour me!  Confused.com!! My '64 petrol engine was rebuilt by the PO, and doesn't have the original dynamo bracket, so I've nothing to compare it to. I know there's a dynamo/alternator option, but which one do I need, and what bracket to go with it?

[diffwhine]

What are you fitting?  A dynamo, an alternator or a dynamator (alaternator in a replica dynamo housing)?

[diffwhine]

I can probably help you out with an alternator bracket. Would need to do some deeper searching, but may be able to find the dynamo bits as well.

[s2c-08616]

I'm thinking the alternator option is better than the original dynamo setup, or do I go for the dynamator?  Isn't that an alternator in a dynamo case, or does it have other features?  I'm not bothered about originality if it means a more reliable solution.

[diffwhine]

Your cheapest option is probably to fit an alternator. Its simple to fit and is just one bracket as opposed to several different ones together. I have at least one if you want it. Drop me a PM if interested.

If you currently have a voltage regulator fitted, you will need to bypass that as per the wiring diagrams on our website. All is pretty simple and straightforward. Then all you need is a bog standard Series 3 alternator. Just watch out for your load. If its standard, then a standard alternator will be fine. If you have loads of lights and other aditional load, best seek advice. If you have an ammeter, you may wish to bypass it as the original only has a 30A range. Your alternator should be able to deliver more than that. Having said that, plenty of people don't bother and just leave the ammeter in situ.

[Wittsend]

As yours is a 1964 model it would have left the factory as a positive earthed vehicle.
If you fit an alternator you will have to "convert" the vehicle to negative earth.
Not such a big deal, BUT you will have to swap over the battery connections. The battery terminal posts are subtly different in size, so you will need new battery terminals on the cables, or buy new battery cables - you will need cables of at least 300 amp rating.

If it's a petrol engine you will need to swap the wires round on the coil.

If you keep the ammeter you will have to swap the connections round for it to give a positive reading on the scale when charging.

You will have to swap round the wires on the red & black inspection light sockets on the dash.

Everything else should work. Just watch out if you have a period clock fitted (unlikely) and a radio, the case of the radio will need to be isolated from its mounting and the vehicle body.

Of course - a PO may have already converted to negative earth.

(Note: post April 1967 models left the factory with negative earthing.)

[simonbav]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204796245662?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338590836&toolid=10044&customid=ef07ba05dc1c1c3f45dddce60d3d1ff5

This is on ebay this morning if its any use.