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By lawdogg1 - 14 Years Ago
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I have a 56 ford f100 with a 272 inside of it that is all stock. I would like to replace the generator with an up to date alternator but have no idea what year and veh type is compatible for this engine and vehicle. If anyone has done so please help and also what would if I have to change to do this? Thanks
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By scott5560 - 14 Years Ago
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I also have the same truck exactly here in Canada. I found my kit with brackets and alt (one wire GM style) on ebay and was very good deal. Works great 14V constant from idle up. Just had to get different belt (length wise). I think I may have the instructions with company name on it somewhere. I will try to remember to look for it this week when get to the shop.
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By lawdogg1 - 14 Years Ago
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I realy appreciate it. I have been looking for a long time and have not had any luck. Ill be waiting to info. Thanks
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By 55Birdman - 14 Years Ago
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You could use an alternator form 60 Amp on up depending on what electrics you have on the vehicle. You can use a GM one wire hook up with an internal regulator . Hook the output connector on the alternator to the + side of the battery. Usually you can run a wire 8-10 Ga. to the + side of the starter which is about 2 feet lomg and very easy to hook up. There is also a 3 wire hook up you can do. I dont know how to do that one but some folks believe its better than the one wire. A matter of opinion and preference and debatable till doomsday. Just do what works for you. If you use one wire with internal regulator disconnect the stock regulator and put it on a shelf you dont need it. You may need a new pulley to accept the belt you have to use. You will need a new mounting bracket. If you buy a kit get one from a Y block supplier. Use a TBird parts guy. They have all what you need to install with easy instructions. Ther is plenty of help here on this site to get you over any bump you may have. Most are smarter than myself. I am learning about these Y s trying to keep dads car alive and helping him helped me learn a lot. Good luck
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By rgrove - 14 Years Ago
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Just to clarify comment above, do NOT connect the output of the alternator to the + of the STARTER. You can connect it to the + of the starter SOLENOID. That is the side that connects directly to yhe battery, and is likely the easiest connection point.
Most of the kits suppliers sell will use the same belts as stock generator. I gotmykit from hot rod and custom supply, and i think concours parts among others sells the kits. Its easy to do and you wont regret it.
2 other things to keep in mind....you may need a wider 5/8" groove pulley depending on the belts on your truck. If so you will need to see if the alt has it or you need to get it seperately. Also, while 1 wires are great and easy, no parts stores carry them. That means if it poops out while you are on the road, you cant usually just run to napa and get one off the shelf. Just a consideration....
I have a 1 wire and its been great....
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By PWH42 - 14 Years Ago
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Ron...........I've bought 3 single wire alternators from two different NAPA stores,so at least around here they do have them.Different in some areas maybe.
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By YellowWing - 14 Years Ago
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I used this bracket http://www.ford-y-block.com/alternatorbrkt.htm and this alternator http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/10120/10002/-1?parentProductId=750748 They work very well. It was an easy install and I liked the fact that the alternator was black so i tfit in with the engine better. 
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By 55Birdman - 14 Years Ago
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Dont mean to steal the thread but do you mean that my bird is doomed because I have my alternator hooked to the pos side of the starter. Been that way over a year and never had any issues. Guess I better change that before it burns up. Autozone and Advance here in NC carry one wire alternators
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By charliemccraney - 14 Years Ago
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I doubt it's on the positive side of the starter. If it were, your battery would not charge and the starter will probably try and spin while the care is running. You probably mean the positive side of the starter solenoid.
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By BrianL - 14 Years Ago
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I also converted my '56 bird to alternator. I chose the 3 wire type myself & found a Y-Block specific kit for my application on E-bay. Easy install & works well. I also researched the difference between 1 wire & 3 wire, found this site to be a worthwhile reading: http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml
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By Noob - 14 Years Ago
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Maybe the solenoid is upsidedown... or constantly activated then de-energized at the ignition... or maybe its an Australian application where current like water circulates backwards... or  Cheers... Brian
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By rgrove - 14 Years Ago
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55Birdman (3/16/2011)
Dont mean to steal the thread but do you mean that my bird is doomed because I have my alternator hooked to the pos side of the starter. Been that way over a year and never had any issues. Guess I better change that before it burns up.
Autozone and Advance here in NC carry one wire alternators
How could that be? When running, the alternator puts out 14+ volts. If connected to the positive terminal on the STARTER then the starter would remain energized (spinning) whenever the engine was running and the alternator was spinning.
Now connected to the battery positive side of the starter SOLENOID works fine. Can you plz clarify/confirm?
And i had heard that some auto parts stores will carry 1 wire alts in areas with a lot of street rods, but not around here. All i meant was that they seem to be harder to find. Sorry, i should have been more clear.
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By Frankenstein57 - 14 Years Ago
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Yellowing, is the bolt on pulley on your y block crankshaft an aftermarket piece or a shined up cast iron pulley? If it is an aftermarket, where did you get it?
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By YellowWing - 14 Years Ago
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It is an aluminum pulley that has been polished. I think Frank used to make them but no longer. I got it as an extra from a friend locally.
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