Looking for opinions on generator conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rcbildr · 10-04-2012, 09:27 PM

I'm thinking about converting the generator on my 1960 (305V6) GMC to an alternator. I've printed up a lot of info on the conversion so I have a pretty good idea on how to do it. One thing I remember reading reading was the generators can't handle the high rpms...something about the brushes lose contact with the armature...or something like that. Since the 305 V6 doesn't see high RPM's, I was wondering if its really worth it, and, does it make the truck more reliable? I'm going to try and keep the truck as close to stock as possible, it won't have a high end stereo just something to listent to music to, but I do plan on wiring it up to tow my small dump run trailer. Any thoughts/opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

FetchMeAPepsi · 10-04-2012, 10:00 PM

The only trucks I've owned have been converted already, but for what it's worth I'd prefer an old generator *I think*.

Here's why:
Easy cheap maintenance - just replace the brushes from time to time. Simple job.
Can run your truck without a battery attached. Very nice for those times when you have to yank the battery and store it.
Old school look - I get a kick out of original stuff.

There are more but I can't think of them offhand. It's been a heckova day and my brain is...well, see my avatar.

Edited to add: I'm sure if you're one of those that bag your truck and add 30k worth of radio to it then you probably need the amps an alternator would provide.

**MusicMan70** · 10-04-2012, 10:16 PM

These have the "look" but function as an alternator. I have not personally used them.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/powergen.html

duallyjams · 10-04-2012, 10:41 PM

x2

PAPA KENT · 10-05-2012, 12:36 AM

i've been running my generator day in and day out without a problem,infact i've been running them on my last several cars and trucks for years without having a problem. if you like it...keep it.

rcbildr · 10-05-2012, 01:45 AM

Awesome, thanks!!! I've been leaning towards keeping it mostly because I am wanting to try and keep the truck as close to stock as possible....my 63 4x4 will be the modified truck.

10-04-2012, 09:27 PM	#1
rcbildr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gold Bar, WA Posts: 1,216	Looking for opinions on generator conversion I'm thinking about converting the generator on my 1960 (305V6) GMC to an alternator. I've printed up a lot of info on the conversion so I have a pretty good idea on how to do it. One thing I remember reading reading was the generators can't handle the high rpms...something about the brushes lose contact with the armature...or something like that. Since the 305 V6 doesn't see high RPM's, I was wondering if its really worth it, and, does it make the truck more reliable? I'm going to try and keep the truck as close to stock as possible, it won't have a high end stereo just something to listent to music to, but I do plan on wiring it up to tow my small dump run trailer. Any thoughts/opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! __________________ My Projects: 1960 GMC 1/2ton with 305 V6 (daily driver) 1963 Chevy 1/2ton 2wd...converting to 4x4 1967 Suburban 1/2ton 2wd My Girlfriends Projects 1985 Chevy Suburban 3/4ton 4x4 with 6.2L diesel, 4" lift, converted to TH-400, Warn Premium manual hubs, & Wildcat 315/75/R16 tires. (daily driver) 1978 Camaro Type LT with a Marine 350 & vortec heads, Rochester Carb, & roller cam 1978 Camaro Z28

10-04-2012, 10:00 PM	#2
FetchMeAPepsi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Edmond, Ks Posts: 595	Re: Looking for opinions on generator conversion The only trucks I've owned have been converted already, but for what it's worth I'd prefer an old generator I think. Here's why: Easy cheap maintenance - just replace the brushes from time to time. Simple job. Can run your truck without a battery attached. Very nice for those times when you have to yank the battery and store it. Old school look - I get a kick out of original stuff. There are more but I can't think of them offhand. It's been a heckova day and my brain is...well, see my avatar. Edited to add: I'm sure if you're one of those that bag your truck and add 30k worth of radio to it then you probably need the amps an alternator would provide. __________________ Step by steps: Remove primer to reveal original paint Rebuild a carburetor See My Build - Cecilia! Some people are like slinkys. Not worth much but funny as heck when pushed down stairs.

10-04-2012, 10:16 PM	#3
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Looking for opinions on generator conversion These have the "look" but function as an alternator. I have not personally used them. http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/powergen.html __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

10-04-2012, 10:41 PM	#4
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: Looking for opinions on generator conversion x2 __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

10-05-2012, 12:36 AM	#5
PAPA KENT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lolo montana Posts: 361	Re: Looking for opinions on generator conversion i've been running my generator day in and day out without a problem,infact i've been running them on my last several cars and trucks for years without having a problem. if you like it...keep it.

10-05-2012, 01:45 AM	#6
rcbildr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gold Bar, WA Posts: 1,216	Re: Looking for opinions on generator conversion Awesome, thanks!!! I've been leaning towards keeping it mostly because I am wanting to try and keep the truck as close to stock as possible....my 63 4x4 will be the modified truck. __________________ My Projects: 1960 GMC 1/2ton with 305 V6 (daily driver) 1963 Chevy 1/2ton 2wd...converting to 4x4 1967 Suburban 1/2ton 2wd My Girlfriends Projects 1985 Chevy Suburban 3/4ton 4x4 with 6.2L diesel, 4" lift, converted to TH-400, Warn Premium manual hubs, & Wildcat 315/75/R16 tires. (daily driver) 1978 Camaro Type LT with a Marine 350 & vortec heads, Rochester Carb, & roller cam 1978 Camaro Z28

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