'69 L-71 Alternator

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Joe- First let me say that I am very appreciative of your help. Your knowledge is priceless.
I have been studying archived threads today about this subject and am much better versed now. I was not aware of the thread boss height difference between 69 and 70. Your pictures will be invaluable. One item after reading the posts is still confusing though. The 884 seems to have been installed on L-71's according to members with original alternators. However, there is a photo of an L-71 GM brochure in one post, and the members state the alternator must be an 882 since the engine shown is not an L-89. My conclusion is that the alternator of choice for the L-71 on the production line was an 882 but for various reasons 884's could have also been installed. Have I been a good student?
Dan

Dan------


Actually, I think the most common L-71 alternator for 1969 was likely the 1100825. I expect that the differences between the 1100825, 1100882, and 1100884 were of clocking only.

[G A.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Joe- When you refer to the clocking is it in regards to the case halves?

[Steven T.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Most likely, it's been bead blasted. The one in the photo has definitely been so-treated.

However, the original alternator case halves were not as smooth as many folks think. I have NOS alternators manufactured as far back as 1971 and also many NOS case halves, both drive end and split ring end. Many of these evidence a quite rough finish, very similar to what one gets with bead blasting.

Joe, if possible, could you post a photo of an NOS alternator or case showing the texture, I'd like to compare it to mine.
The stamped numbers on my 859 are sharp, maybe it hasn't been glass beaded after all.
Thanks,
Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Joe- When you refer to the clocking is it in regards to the case halves?

Dan-----


Yes, there are, theoretically, 4 clock positions of these alternators, although I don't know that all 4 were ever originally used.

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Joe, if possible, could you post a photo of an NOS alternator or case showing the texture, I'd like to compare it to mine.
The stamped numbers on my 859 are sharp, maybe it hasn't been glass beaded after all.
Thanks,
Steve

Steve------


Attached are photos of an NOS GM #1100543 alternator. This one was manufactured on July 2, 1970 (0 G 2). Note the roughness of the case halves, especially the split ring case half. This is exactly how it is with all of the NOS case halves I also have. The split ring case half has a very rough and "grainy" finish and the drive end case half has a moderately to lightly rough finish. Some later-manufactured drive end case halves are much smoother in surface finish, though.

There is no evidence of a "skin" on either this NOS alternator or any of the early case halves I have. Some of the later-manufactured case halves do appear to have a "skin", though.

I have other NOS alternators, but the one pictured is the oldest I have. The others are more difficult for me to get to, but I can tell you that the surface finish on these is very comparable to the one pictured below.

[Steven T.]

Re: '69 L-71 Alternator

Thanks Joe, this is exactly what I was looking for.
You've been a big help.
Steve