What is the best alternator and mounting bracket for a 312 in a 57 Tbird, probably going to have A.C.

I don't know if the best, but Vintage Air has one (specifically for Birds as well as a specific model for sedans) I think its for air and alternator. Go to www.vintageair.com

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks Paul, I'll check it out.

Talk to Randy Rundle at 5th Ave Auto Electric in Kansas.  He's got alternator conversions for just about everything including all Y-Blocks.  His brackets are designed to fit the Delco 10SI and 12SI alternators.  I've used his stuff to convert to all of my Y-Block powered vehicles. The Delco alternators are internally regulated so installation is a snap.  You can go with the 1 wire setup, real simple, but no warning indication, or the 3 wire setup which gives you your original dash warning light. 

The best part is that you can get a Delco alternator at any parts store for about $70, or you can pull one out of a mid 80s GM vehicle at a Junyard for about $20!!  Some guys don't like putting GM parts in a Ford but I'm telling you for the money and sheer simplicity, it's the smartest way to go.   

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/

Best,

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

When you get to the Alternator decision. You can get gm one wire,. Or a FORD, not a one wire. I was originally talked in to the the GM and man did I like the simplicity. One wire, duh! But if you go the FORD you will have an easier option to keep your GEN light for the dash and still have a gauge too if you want.

I know guys have discussed this on here and are much better at it than I. There's a way to do it with a one wire setup also, so someone else needs to chime in here.

BTW my one wire works great, don't have a gen light, just an volt gauge.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I too have a one wire and I like it a lot.  I just use a volt gauge as well.  It'll tell you if something is up.


Lawrenceville, GA

I have the one wire as well and love it.  It works perfectly with my existing dash light, when the car idles way down the light will come on because the RPM isnt enough for the Alt to turn on but as soon as I start to rev up, the light goes off and all is well.

I followed exactly what Roy "The Blue Whale" Ireland wrote up at http://www.ranchwagon.com/tech/alt/alt.htm and it worked exactly like I expected.

Andrew 56-Vicky

They have a new reluctor(?) that will allow the one wire units to charge at well below 1000RPM. Check your local auto electric shop. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Mine will charge below 1000rpm.  It's not able to maintain 14.4 volts below at about 600 RPM.  Not a big deal for me since I have idle set at 700rpm.  The motor has to be rev'd to about 1500rpm to tell the alternator that the motor is running and start charging.  I've had mine for 5 or 6 years now.


Lawrenceville, GA