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.

1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)

 

Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ

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?





thanks, Mark

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.

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

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

Cylinder Index = 84

Current Experiment = `57 Tbird, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

Brian - 56 T-Bird

Woodinville WA

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.


Lawrenceville, GA

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

55Birdman  Hickory NC

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.

1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)

 

Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ

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.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

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....

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL