Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Daubs** · 09-14-2007, 10:34 AM

Made the mistake of getting a rebuilt alternator from parts store. Headlights go dim, then bright, as do the dashlights. I'm tired of messing with the rebuilt stuff and want a new alternator. Called my GM dealer and they say no longer offered.

So the question is where can I find a new alternator? Not a rebuilt one?

Andy4639 · 09-14-2007, 10:41 AM

If it's a orignal one with the external voltage regulator it's more than likely it, not the alternator. If it's been swaped over then you can take it to a good rebuilder and have it fixed.
To buy a new one try Jegs or one of the other supply stores they sale them new, but they are aftermarket unit's.

Ace in the hole · 09-14-2007, 11:04 AM

You could always do a conversion to a newer style, found this posted elsware on the board- http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html

jay6891 · 09-14-2007, 11:08 AM

I think the one I have on my truck came off a 80's model trans am 105 amps and no external regulator. Got rid of all them dimming problems.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 09-14-2007, 11:11 AM

You probably have a 42 amp alternator. New or used it will do the same thing. Go out and buy a 65 amp or bigger alternator and that should solve your problem. This would also be a good time to convert to an internaly regulated alternator also. We have kits for around $12.95 that convert your wiring over to that. We also have complete harnesses that do not need converting. WES

killer71 · 09-14-2007, 11:29 AM

check this thread out. Good fyi and aftermarket recommendations as well. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=231241 I personally used tuffstuffperformance.com which was a 100amp internal regulator alternator and had great luck with it. Hope this helps!

cdowns · 09-14-2007, 11:58 AM

new altenators are readily available summit jegs jcwhitney to name a few but like stated with ext regulator thats the way they work and the dimming willpersist even with a new alt and ext regulator

Scott68-93-97 · 09-14-2007, 12:00 PM

Put in a new internal regulated one no harness needed just some simple wiring, if you have questions let me know

**Daubs** · 09-14-2007, 01:46 PM

Good feedback. I'm thinking this alt. is about dead...after I start it squeels like a stuck pig for about first block (I'm guessing it's struggling to charge the battery after the drain of starting).

Headlights and dash lights are really erratic. Sometimes very bright, sometimes, dim as can be. Sometimes they vary based on engine RPM. I'd love to solve this problem.

Stronger alternator?
Change external regulator?
Would rather not rewire the whole truck at this point in time...

Suggestions?

Scott68-93-97 · 09-14-2007, 02:11 PM

Its only a couple of wires you re-use the positive to the battery and you'll need a test light to find the excite wire (or feild wire) key on, then just jump a wire from the positive on the alt. to the sense wire and your done, external regulators are a waste of money and if you use a stronger one youll keep frying the regulator, plus if you have aftermarket stereo like a sub youl blow them all day

09-14-2007, 10:34 AM	#1
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 613	Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) Made the mistake of getting a rebuilt alternator from parts store. Headlights go dim, then bright, as do the dashlights. I'm tired of messing with the rebuilt stuff and want a new alternator. Called my GM dealer and they say no longer offered. So the question is where can I find a new alternator? Not a rebuilt one? __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

09-14-2007, 10:41 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) If it's a orignal one with the external voltage regulator it's more than likely it, not the alternator. If it's been swaped over then you can take it to a good rebuilder and have it fixed. To buy a new one try Jegs or one of the other supply stores they sale them new, but they are aftermarket unit's. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

09-14-2007, 11:04 AM	#3
Ace in the hole Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Posts: 538	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) You could always do a conversion to a newer style, found this posted elsware on the board- http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html __________________ 1970 K20, 350--- SOLD 05 silverado extended cab short box- duramax Jeep wrangler unlimited Last edited by Ace in the hole; 09-14-2007 at 11:05 AM.

09-14-2007, 11:08 AM	#4
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) I think the one I have on my truck came off a 80's model trans am 105 amps and no external regulator. Got rid of all them dimming problems. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

09-14-2007, 11:11 AM	#5
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) You probably have a 42 amp alternator. New or used it will do the same thing. Go out and buy a 65 amp or bigger alternator and that should solve your problem. This would also be a good time to convert to an internaly regulated alternator also. We have kits for around $12.95 that convert your wiring over to that. We also have complete harnesses that do not need converting. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

09-14-2007, 11:29 AM	#6
killer71 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: at work Posts: 2,552	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) check this thread out. Good fyi and aftermarket recommendations as well. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=231241 I personally used tuffstuffperformance.com which was a 100amp internal regulator alternator and had great luck with it. Hope this helps! __________________ R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07

09-14-2007, 11:58 AM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) new altenators are readily available summit jegs jcwhitney to name a few but like stated with ext regulator thats the way they work and the dimming willpersist even with a new alt and ext regulator __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-14-2007, 12:00 PM	#8
Scott68-93-97 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fair Oaks, CA Posts: 475	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) Put in a new internal regulated one no harness needed just some simple wiring, if you have questions let me know __________________ 1968 Short Fleet 350/700r4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249435 1997 Bagged XtdCab Vortec350/4L60e http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post2286144 1993 XtdCab Longbed 4x4 6.5Turbo/NV4500 "Daily Driver" 1985 Toyota XtdCab 4x4 22re/W-56/Dual T-cases, Doug Thorley Header, Homebrew front and rear spring packs, Tons of Mods to suspension and drivetrain, 35" boggers, coming soon ARB's and 5.29's, Possible 4.3/700r4 swap

09-14-2007, 01:46 PM	#9
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 613	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) Good feedback. I'm thinking this alt. is about dead...after I start it squeels like a stuck pig for about first block (I'm guessing it's struggling to charge the battery after the drain of starting). Headlights and dash lights are really erratic. Sometimes very bright, sometimes, dim as can be. Sometimes they vary based on engine RPM. I'd love to solve this problem. Stronger alternator? Change external regulator? Would rather not rewire the whole truck at this point in time... Suggestions? __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

09-14-2007, 02:11 PM	#10
Scott68-93-97 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fair Oaks, CA Posts: 475	Re: Where to find new alternator? (not rebuilt) Its only a couple of wires you re-use the positive to the battery and you'll need a test light to find the excite wire (or feild wire) key on, then just jump a wire from the positive on the alt. to the sense wire and your done, external regulators are a waste of money and if you use a stronger one youll keep frying the regulator, plus if you have aftermarket stereo like a sub youl blow them all day __________________ 1968 Short Fleet 350/700r4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249435 1997 Bagged XtdCab Vortec350/4L60e http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post2286144 1993 XtdCab Longbed 4x4 6.5Turbo/NV4500 "Daily Driver" 1985 Toyota XtdCab 4x4 22re/W-56/Dual T-cases, Doug Thorley Header, Homebrew front and rear spring packs, Tons of Mods to suspension and drivetrain, 35" boggers, coming soon ARB's and 5.29's, Possible 4.3/700r4 swap



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