I have been through the archives and still haven't found what I need. My generator on the 57 Bird died today. I want to install a Ford/Motorcraft conventional 3 wire alternator not a GM part. I need some info on mounting bracketry. I see Mummert has them for Yblocks but not Tbirds. I don't want a Powermaster, etc. or a conversion kit because if needed, I want to be able to replace the alternator from a local parts store, not special order stuff. 60 amps or so is fine for my needs. Anyone have a source for the brackets I would need?

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I have seen several examples of using the existing brackets for the Generator with a little handiwork and spacers to mount an alternator.It can be done and doesn't look mickey-mouse.Get hold of the alternator and go from there.

  

mark, I used this method to install a alternator years ago. I'm sure you will have to modify it a little to fit your 'Bird. Has worked fine... Surprised to see it's still on the net http://www.y-block.info/tips/alt/alt.html Google is your friend

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

I have done a couple of installations in the far distant past using the Ford alternator that was common in the 70's (such as the 55 amp). I remember being somewhat stumped on wiring, and used the harness from a parts car. I sort of experimented with it until I found the right combination, but never was able to get the factory dash indicator light to work. If anyone does this conversion using the Ford alternator, a diagram of how you wire it sure would be much appreciated.



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!

Thanks for the help. I will be heading to the pic&pull later this week for a core alternator and harness. I still need to decide about a 15 Ohm resistor to go parallel with the warning light bulb. I understand that if the bulb burns out, the alternator stops charging, so the resistor is the back up for the circuit. Am I right about this?

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

The second picture showing the mounting bracket using most of the existing brackets is the one I was thinking of.I think you could refine it even further if you looked at for awhile.

  

Mark, here is another option to consider, keep the look but change the function - but not cheap! Tony b

i'm looking to install a ford 3g large case on my setup and have been doing lots of "surfing" unfortunately my puter crashed about a week ago and i lost all my book marks photos etc.

i think you are correct about the resistor. and be careful of the early ford 2g alternators i believe they were a fire risk because the connectors were spade connectors not a more beefy stud.

good luck

stuey

Regarding the PowerGen alternator in a generator case, I looked at it but the price doesn't work for me. Also, if it were to fail, usually at the most difficult time, I want to be able to find a replacement at a local auto parts store.

My 65 Galaxie has stud mounted connections but I haven't made it to the Pick&Pull yet. Finding anything that early would be rare around here, mostly late 70's is the oldest stuff in the yards. Also been looking for info on using a 15 ohm resistor from Radio Shack, etc. instead of rooting around for a resistor wire in the wrecking yard.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Mark,
I have heard of installing a resistor if you don't run a warning light so it might be true. Never heard of having a light and a resistor tho.

I DO KNOW that there is sometimes a need to run a diode in the excitor wire to prevent backfeed to the ignition. NOT FUN when you shut off your engine and it keeps running.


"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL