Alternator Suggestions?

[engineerdad]

Hi All!

In the last year, I've bought both a '63 C-10 shortbed stepside and a '71 C-10shortbed from my grandfather that I'm planning to rebuild. I also bought a '70 C-20 longbed that I was going to use for parts for the '71, but it's just too nice and I need a spare vehicle, so I've decided to fix some items on it to make it a driver. It currently has an internally-regulated alternator, I supposed it replaced the original externally-regulated unit. The plastic two-pole connector for the regulator only has one wire on it and I haven't had time to research how it should be wired to make it function correctly. I think its "sort of" working, but since I don't drive it enough, I haven't dug into it to see for sure. What are the current opinions on the best alternators for reliability: original externally-regulated (I doubt this tops the list), internally-regulated, or "one-wire"? If you have an opinion, I'd like to know why you recommend one type over another.

Thanks!

[Draggn66]

to the board from Illinois! Lots of good info about that here just do a search. This link may also help http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html

[engineerdad]

I checked that out earlier this week after searching this topic on the board. I intend to go back and read it more closely once I make the decision to spend some time on this alternator or replace it with another.

Thanks!

[krue]

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

[engineerdad]

Thanks, I've lurked for about a year since I made the decision to buy and "restore" the trucks. It's grown from an interest to a near obsession - every time I pass one I want to adopt it. Time and money are the only roadblocks I have right now.

[Brad]

The best alternators are the ones you get from a local U-Pull for $5-10. Seriously, they usually have a bazillion miles left on them and are cheap. Then just do the conversion on your truck.