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Alternator conversion

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oscar225 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oscar225 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Alternator conversion
    Posted: 16 Nov 2018 at 16:07
hi thinking about the above for my 67 Ambassador as the dynamo needs refurbishing anyway, i have seen several companies in the US who market kits on Greg Benders wonderful site but the cost of shipping and then the import duties carry the eventual cost towards £350-£400 mark which is wzy out of my budget range.
is there anhbody this side of the pond who mafkets a kit or preferably just the mounting bracket allowing me to source my own alternator?

Thanks Chris
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2018 at 14:01
Perhaps the most cost-effective answer Chris would just be to have your dynamo refurbished.

The dynamo is rated ar 300 watts. Do you need more than that?
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2018 at 15:09
Any small car self contained alternator could be made to work. Cheap enough from a scrappy, but you would have to mout it and possibly fiddle with belt drive as most now use the multi ridge belts, not the old V belt.
Brian.

Better 5 minutes late in this world than years early in the next.
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red leader one View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote red leader one Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2018 at 15:25
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oscar225 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oscar225 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2018 at 17:50
Thanks for the replies, think you may well be right, only have the normal lights and indicators but have a couple of extra driving lights and also have a set of "Wixom" panniers with extra lights but guess you're right Dave standard dynamo should be ample.
thanks for the links will contact one of them regarding rebuild costs and go from there.
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oscar225 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oscar225 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 14:44
wow having second thoughts with this already, dave lindsey wont touch it as he cannot get the spares, magneto guys no longer do dynamos and the only people i have found so far want £400 for a fully reconditioned unit which is on a par with the alternator conversion!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Torquil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 15:08
If you are mechanically minded it may not be too hard to refurb your dynamo for yourself.  Essentially there are only five things to go wrong (assuming that the voltage regulator is working - I assume it is?):
1.  The brushes
2.  The bearings
3.  The stator windings
4.   The rotor windings.
5.   The commutator.

1 to 3 are DIY jobs:
 
The brushes should be fairly easy to check and not hard to replace.  (Find them under the removable cover at the back end).  If they need replacing chances are that there is something similar available out there - they are just lumps of carbon...

The bearings - does it spin smoothly?   These are standard items.  Not too hard to replace.

The stator windings.   Not too hard to make...

The rotor or commutator?  Oh dear.   Wallet damage inevitable.

Watch


for some inspiration!    Good luck!
It's better to mend than replace.
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 16:41
Hmm that 's jolly expensive. I based my opinion on the fact that the magneto guys refurbished a Magnetti Marelli dynamo for me around three years back for a little over £100. It's a shame that they no longer do dynamos.
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ranton_rambler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 17:14
Is it a Bosch unit on yours? Mine is, and luckily I've never had to touch it, but I think they were fitted on cars of a similar vintage - maybe air-cooled Beetle?
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 17:57
This could be worth considering...http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_generator_alternative.html

Dynamos for VW cars should be easy enough to find.
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.
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Loopian View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Loopian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 18:03
If you look on this old tractor web site you will find full instructions to refurb and test both makes of Dynamo. I did my Bosch one. If you are reasonable with spanner’s, take your time it’s not too difficult. I only had to replace bearings and clean.  There must be someone who would do a refurb at a sensible price, I got bearings for a few pounds. 
Good luck Ian
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 18:34
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.
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oscar225 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oscar225 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Nov 2018 at 19:34
Hi all thanks again for the responses, mine is fitted with magnetti dynamo and regulator box, but the vw replacement on Gregs site is an interesting option, presumably just need to source a suitable regulator as per those listed.
Chris
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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Nov 2018 at 16:44
How about a Denso 40 Amps alternator - as used by 750cc Urals:



NB: ^ 'Kubota 40' is a 'compact tractor'.

By default is fitted with a 'V' pulley as shown*.

Internal regulator.


(* Ural's has an adaptor for a helical gear)

"Chicken nuggets don't dance on a Tuesday."
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