quote:
Originally posted by jack deryke:
The stock alternator is a plain-vanilla 63 amp Ford unit, available at any parts store. The regulator, if stock, was one of those with points and solenoids inside; it has been replaced by a same-sized-case unit with a tiny circuit board inside. If you can live with 63 amps and don't ever drive worst-case (headlights on, AC running, radio on, in low speed traffic so the alt isn't charging positive), then the fix is less than $75 for new and probably less rebuilt. There are same-sized drop-in units available up to about 120 amps for more $$, as are the single-wire replacements. Personally, I'm still on the OEM alt but a replacement regulator in my '72. I'd replace the cheap regulator first, then the alt, after being real sure there wasn't a short somewhere.
Jack I already bought another alt the old one tested zip on output and had a bad bearing. I checked out the regulator and it showed 27.5 volts. (a little high) I also found a fried wire on one side of the resistor on the alt. light. The resistor checked out. I'm picking up a regulator tomorrow. I think I'll have the original rebuilt with more amps. If I understand you correctly a bigger amp alt will drop in with no other changes right?