1969 alternator 1100859

[Daniel T.]

OK C-3 mechanical guys. I am looking at this alternator on ebay. I am a little skeptical as to its authenticity. I know that these are often counter fit. Any help or advice here greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Again, its only the half case. I can't get an ebay link to work or uplaod photos from ebay. If you use this search on ebay you will find the listing.
1969 corvette
300/350HP 1100859
42amp delco remy alterntor
Dated 9F2 1/2 case..

[Daniel T.]

Here is a pic of the stamping 859 case.jpg

[Joe L.]

Here is a pic of the stamping 859 case.jpg

Daniel-----

More important than the number is the configuration of the case; the number is what is counterfeited, sometimes convincingly; the case configuration cannot be counterfeited. Please include photos of the case.

[Daniel T.]

Here are pics of the case

[Edward C.]

It looks fake. I have never seen one with a “dash” before the 42.
There are a few other genuine 859’s on eBay. Compare this one to them. Also, original faces have the casting flash around the top. The picture the seller shows looks like it’s cut into those areas versus excess over flash. As if someone was trying to make the newer repro face look like the originals. The seller also choose to come in close so you can’t see the outer portion of the stamp pad which should also have extra flash. All the new repro faces have the flash removed. The repro castings have all the original flash cleaned up, looking smooth.

[Joe L.]

Here are pics of the case

Daniel-----

First of all, I believe that all 1969 alternators, regardless of amp rating, used the same case halves, front and rear, although it is possible that very late 1969 alternators used case halves generally associated with 1970 year model Corvettes. It should also be noted that 1969 Corvettes were the very first GM vehicles to be equipped with internal regulator alternators. Other than all 1969 Corvettes, the use of internal regulator alternators was limited to a few other GM models also equipped with rather rare options. 1969 Pontiac GTO's also equipped with rear window defogger is one example I know of.

It's my opinion that this is not an original 1969 alternator drive end case half. The most important reason that I say this is I believe that 1969 Corvette alternators utilized a 6 rib case design (3 "narrow" ribs and 3 "wide" ribs). My original 1100859 alternator from my original owner 1969 convertible built in mid-September, 1969 has such a drive end case (I'd picture it here but it's just too hard for me to get at right now---maybe later).

I am attaching photos of a known original GM 1100882 alternator used on an early 1969 Corvette. Note that it also has a 6 rib case. I have a friend who is also the original owner of his October, 1968 built 1969 L-46 Corvette coupe and it retains its original alternator. It has a 6 rib drive end case.

As far as the stamping on the case you pictured, I'm not really sure. It just does not appear "quite right" to me. However, the biggest cue to me is the 5 rib case. If I'm right about 1969 Corvette alternators utilizing a 6 rib case, then the one pictured has to be fake.

[Owen L.]

Was just curious about all of this and looked around on eBay to see what Joe was referring to with the ribs. Here are a few pics of another alternator that claims to be a 1100859. It seems to fit the case flashing and rib design comments above -- I think the stamping is more in line with original alternators too. I'm posting the pics to add examples of the replies for future readers. (Not having any knowledge of the 1100859 alternator's characteristics, I'll delete the pics if they do not accurately show them.)

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[Joe L.]

Was just curious about all of this and looked around on eBay to see what Joe was referring to with the ribs. Here are a few pics of another alternator that claims to be a 1100859. It seems to fit the case flashing and rib design comments above -- I think the stamping is more in line with original alternators too. I'm posting the pics to add examples of the replies for future readers. (Not having any knowledge of the 1100859 alternator's characteristics, I'll delete the pics if they do not accurately show them.)

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Owen-----

This one has obviously been partially re-stamped as EVERY 1100859 is 42 amp alternator not a 63 amp. Also, the "63" stamping is obviously crude and different than the other characters. This alternator case half is almost certainly an original 1100859 but its value has been basically destroyed by the foolish attempt to "make it" a 63 amp alternator (which, by the way, didn't even exist for 1969). The higher amp 1969 alternators (55 and 61 amp) are worth more in the restoration market than the 42 amp and are especially in demand by folks trying to convert original small block 1969's into "original" big blocks.

[Daniel T.]

Thanks everyone for information.
Very helpful indeed. This discussion is giving me alot better Idea of what to look for here.

[Joe L.]

I note that the photos of the alternator I mentioned in an above response did not get attached (it was late and I was very tired). So, here they are: