Gen to Alt conversion help needed

FIFTFODOKUSTOM

New member
I am attempting to convert my '60 Comet from generator to alternator. I purchased an alternator and ordered the bracket, regulator, and alternator mounting bolt from Falconparts.com. Did anyone else have a problem with this conversion? The belt needs to be stretched to fit, the fan hits the front of the alternator, and the adjusting bracket is not in proper alignment with the alternator. What the hell am I doing wrong? I read previous posts regarding this conversion and it was supposed to be easy. Please help.
 
For those who have done this conversion, did you have to put a spacer/washer in between the block and the upper bracket to get into the right position? My upper bracket isn't aligning with the adjusting bolt on the alternator.

Where is your alternator in relation to the fan? My fan hits the nut on the front of the alternator. Any pics would be helpful. Thanks.
 
Sounds like your alternator is too far forward. Mine needs a spacer (maybe 1/2"?) between the front of the bracket and the mounting ear.

If you line up the pulleys, it *should* fit. Can you post a picture?
 
what kind of alternator did you get? I got the same parts when I did mine, and I got a alt from a mid 60's mustang and it went in perfect. I'll take some pics to see if that helps.
 
I bought an alternator for a '65 Falcon (DL7078) per the instructions from Falconparts.com. All the pullies are in alignment. The upper bracket hits the alternator. Should there be a bend in the upper bracket?

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to post pics. Can someone please advise.
 
Just a thought. You might try picking up a chrome Chevy bracket at Autozone, and cutting it to the right length. They have a larger arc, so it has a better chance or clearing the alt.

At least, it worked for me when I moved my alternator out, for installing the header.

For image posting, read this. Hope it helps.
http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26091
 
8) when i did the gen to alt conversion on my falcon, i use the conversion lower bracket, and the stock gen upper bracket. everything line dup just fine, and i even used the same belt the ran the gen. i used an alternator from a mustang 289 as i wanted a 55amp alt.
 
http://www.blert.net/comet/gen2alt/

That is the writeup of my conversion, however I didn't use the falconparts bracket so I'm not sure how much help it will be.

Looks like you might have the wrong alternator (the may have misboxed it at the parts store). Take yours back to the store and try comparing it to antoher or the same number, or try ones for other fords with the same engine ('70s mavericks had a 200 which is externally identical. I know with my conversion the spacing between the fan & alternator was really tight. The shaft the pulley bolts to looks longer in those pics than the one on mine, so you might have to try other alternators to find one shorter.

One other thing to check is if the lower bracket is twisted such that the alternator is tilted forwards enough at the top to hit the upper bracket.

I'd take more pics of the clearances on mine, but unfortunately I'm mid engine swap and the car is in pieces all over the garage.

Also, that is one awsome wagon, I'm incredibly jelous.
 
Thanks for the replies and comments I'll check with the parts store tonight to see if they gave me the correct alternator. Were the same alternators used on V8 cars? And if so, I suppose I can still use the one-wire voltage regulator?
 
What's the distance between where the fan blade mounts to the pulley and the middle of the belt groove? Maybe there's some sort of water pump shaft and fan pulley assembly that's not as deep as most??? Mine is 1-9/16" and I've got a good 1/2" between the alternator and the fan plus the bolt on my alt sticks out past the nut way more than yours.

I didn't even think to check that my fan cleared when I did my conversion. Just started it right up! Glad you didn't make that mistake :shock:
 
Redfalken":2s3amj2r said:
What's the distance between where the fan blade mounts to the pulley and the middle of the belt groove? Maybe there's some sort of water pump shaft and fan pulley assembly that's not as deep as most??? Mine is 1-9/16" and I've got a good 1/2" between the alternator and the fan plus the bolt on my alt sticks out past the nut way more than yours.

I didn't even think to check that my fan cleared when I did my conversion. Just started it right up! Glad you didn't make that mistake :shock:

8) as long as the alternator output does not exceed the amp level of the regulator, you will be fine.
 
Redfalken":3htof7vy said:
What's the distance between where the fan blade mounts to the pulley and the middle of the belt groove? Maybe there's some sort of water pump shaft and fan pulley assembly that's not as deep as most??? Mine is 1-9/16" and I've got a good 1/2" between the alternator and the fan plus the bolt on my alt sticks out past the nut way more than yours. :shock:

I assume you're talking about the distance on the alternator? If so, I don't think it should matter because all 3 pullies are in alignment.

I suppose I can shim the upper bracket into alignment but I don't know what to do about the fan problem.
 
No. I was talking about the fan that mounts to the engine. I was just trying to think of what could possibly be different about yours that would make the fan be too close to the alternator. Especially if all the pulleys line up. I thought maybe there's some different type water pump with a shorter shaft and the pulley between the fan and pump wasn't as deep ... pulling your fan in closer to the engine???

Make sense? Wish I was at home to do some Photoshop on your photos...
 
Don't get discouraged, it'll get better and you'll love the alternator! :D

Even with the short water pump the fan shouldn't hit the alt shaft - Looks to me like you have an alternator with a long shaft for a double-groove pulley or something wierd...mine has the nut inside the single pulley, nothing sticking out the front for the fan to get near. I'd take it back and check it against some other Ford alternators.

On the bracket, it looks like yours is bent just enough to get in the way, I don't see why you couldn't take a BFH and "encourage" it to go where you want it to be. As long as the pulleys line up, that's the critical thing (that and the fan not trying to saw off the front of your alternator...)
 
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