Alternator restoration? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sadsack · 06-04-2007, 07:07 PM

Hi again guys. I need some expert advice! My '69 has the original alternator and it still charges great!

Cool huh? They sure dont make them like they used to thats for sure! Anyway..my question is...how would I go about cosmetically restoring my alternator? I have a friend that works at a local shop that can rebuild the internals if I decide to go that route...but how about the outer part? Should I just take it apart and paint it? Love to see some pics of what you guys have done. Thanks in advance!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 06-04-2007, 08:16 PM

We disassemble the alternators completely, blast the aluminum case and paint the pully/pully fan. The blasting seems to last quite some time. Here is a pic of an alternator that was done a couple of years ago.

Jim

Longhorn Man · 06-04-2007, 08:25 PM

the compnay that rebuilds our starters and alternatos does it the same way.
Keep greasey grubby fingers off of them, and they'll stay nice for a year or so on a driver.

wibilly · 06-05-2007, 12:30 AM

i hand polished one once. it took alot of sanding and rubbing but turned out great still have it 25 years later on my 68 chevelle ragtop. i'm sure it's not that purdy now i haven't opened the hood for so long it's rusted shut. i need to get that thing out of the shed and in the shop and show it some love when i grt some of these truks out of the way

Sadsack · 06-05-2007, 10:10 AM

Thanks Guys! When You Say Getting It Blasted...yoiu Mean Media Or Sand Blasted? Love The Look Of The Natural Casting!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 06-06-2007, 08:18 PM

I have done alternators both ways. The one in the picture was sand blasted.
Media gives a little nicer finish but they both look good.

Jim

06-04-2007, 07:07 PM	#1
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Alternator restoration? Hi again guys. I need some expert advice! My '69 has the original alternator and it still charges great! Cool huh? They sure dont make them like they used to thats for sure! Anyway..my question is...how would I go about cosmetically restoring my alternator? I have a friend that works at a local shop that can rebuild the internals if I decide to go that route...but how about the outer part? Should I just take it apart and paint it? Love to see some pics of what you guys have done. Thanks in advance!

06-04-2007, 08:16 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Alternator restoration? We disassemble the alternators completely, blast the aluminum case and paint the pully/pully fan. The blasting seems to last quite some time. Here is a pic of an alternator that was done a couple of years ago. Jim Attached Images __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

06-04-2007, 08:25 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Alternator restoration? the compnay that rebuilds our starters and alternatos does it the same way. Keep greasey grubby fingers off of them, and they'll stay nice for a year or so on a driver.

06-05-2007, 12:30 AM	#4
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: Alternator restoration? i hand polished one once. it took alot of sanding and rubbing but turned out great still have it 25 years later on my 68 chevelle ragtop. i'm sure it's not that purdy now i haven't opened the hood for so long it's rusted shut. i need to get that thing out of the shed and in the shop and show it some love when i grt some of these truks out of the way __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

06-05-2007, 10:10 AM	#5
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Re: Alternator restoration? Thanks Guys! When You Say Getting It Blasted...yoiu Mean Media Or Sand Blasted? Love The Look Of The Natural Casting!

06-06-2007, 08:18 PM	#6
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Alternator restoration? I have done alternators both ways. The one in the picture was sand blasted. Media gives a little nicer finish but they both look good. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC



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