Alternator Parts

[Thomas H.]

After 5 years of looking for a correct date coded alternator for my Sept 70 build, 71 LS5, I finally found one at Carlisle. Funny thing was, I wasn't even looking for one. I just happened to glance over and there it was..........

Anyway, I'd like to replace some of the internals and was wondering who sells quality alternator parts?

Thanks,
Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: Alternator Parts

After 5 years of looking for a correct date coded alternator for my Sept 70 build, 71 LS5, I finally found one at Carlisle. Funny thing was, I wasn't even looking for one. I just happened to glance over and there it was..........

Anyway, I'd like to replace some of the internals and was wondering who sells quality alternator parts?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom------


Most of the parts are GM and Delco discontinued. However, you can get high quality, aftermarket parts as manufactured by Standard Automotive and others through NAPA. These are the parts you'll most likely need. All are NAPA part numbers. Where a GM number is shown, that part remains available from GM or Delco:

split ring end bearing------BRG MNJ471S (GM #9441879)

drive end bearing------------BRG 6203ZJ

brush holder with brushes---ECH R432

diode bridge (+)-------------ECH AC9 (GM #1984638)

diode trio (-)-----------------MPE AC12

voltage regulator-------------ECH VR148 (GM #1116423)

The last 3 components can be tested using the procedure found in the Chevrolet Service Manual. If the ones you have test ok, you can re-use them. However, if it were me, I'd replace them when you're talking about a core of unknown history.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Thomas,
There is a terrific shop to rebuild your alternator nearby in Rushland on Swamp Rd. called Torodyne (215 598 3105). I have had nothing but the best service from them and I highly recommend them! There pricing is very reasonable!

[Thomas H.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Tom------


Most of the parts are GM and Delco discontinued. However, you can get high quality, aftermarket parts as manufactured by Standard Automotive and others through NAPA. These are the parts you'll most likely need. All are NAPA part numbers. Where a GM number is shown, that part remains available from GM or Delco:

split ring end bearing------BRG MNJ471S (GM #9441879)

drive end bearing------------BRG 6203ZJ

brush holder with brushes---ECH R432

diode bridge (+)-------------ECH AC9 (GM #1984638)

diode trio (-)-----------------MPE AC12

voltage regulator-------------ECH VR148 (GM #1116423)

The last 3 components can be tested using the procedure found in the Chevrolet Service Manual. If the ones you have test ok, you can re-use them. However, if it were me, I'd replace them when you're talking about a core of unknown history.

Thanks Joe. The diodes tested good, buy I'll probably replace them anyway for the reliability. I'll keep the original date coded one for posterity.

Tom

[Thomas H.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Thomas,
There is a terrific shop to rebuild your alternator nearby in Rushland on Swamp Rd. called Torodyne (215 598 3105). I have had nothing but the best service from them and I highly recommend them! There pricing is very reasonable!

Thanks for the info Kevin. I have it all apart and have identified the parts that need replacing so for now, I'm going to do it myself (I like getting my hands dirty).

When it comes time for the full resto, I'll have the alternator done professionally to restore the original look. (The finish on this one is very good as it is though.........)

Thanks,

Tom

[Dick W.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Thanks for the info Kevin. I have it all apart and have identified the parts that need replacing so for now, I'm going to do it myself (I like getting my hands dirty).

When it comes time for the full resto, I'll have the alternator done professionally to restore the original look. (The finish on this one is very good as it is though.........)

Thanks,

Tom

Be very carefull pressing the front bearing out. There have been many alternator cases destroyed when performing this operation.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Thomas,
Just a tid bit.
Use a paper clip to hold your brushes in place while installing back of alternator, then when you pull the clip the brushes will spring in place.
I just did my 32 A and 55 A and put the armature and stator of the 55A in the 32A upgrading it to a 55A, Then took a 61A armature and stator and put it in the 55A to upgrade it. I had all the bones on the shelf to do it, and I wanted to keep the #s on my original alternator but needed the xtra amps to run the air I dealer installed in my 67 back in 1971.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Thomas,
Just a tid bit.
Use a paper clip to hold your brushes in place while installing back of alternator, then when you pull the clip the brushes will spring in place.
I just did my 32 A and 55 A and put the armature and stator of the 55A in the 32A upgrading it to a 55A, Then took a 61A armature and stator and put it in the 55A to upgrade it. I had all the bones on the shelf to do it, and I wanted to keep the #s on my original alternator but needed the xtra amps to run the air I dealer installed in my 67 back in 1971.

DOM

Dom,
I prefer to use a tooth pick. Works just the same, but less damage if one forgets to remove it before hooking up the alternator.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Terry,
I don't use the paper clip after, and hope you don't use the tooth pick either. What ever works.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Terry,
I don't use the paper clip after, and hope you don't use the tooth pick either. What ever works.

DOM

I suppose if one were really "green" one could re-use the paper clip -- but I think trying to re-use either toothpick or paper clip is going too far. On the other hand, the GM brush set came with a nice plastic tube as a holder for the brushes. I would consider saving one of those and reusing it for the purpose intended -- if I did a lot of alternator rebuilding. Back in the "old days" we did exactly that, but that was then and this is now.

[John L.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Kevin
If a person is determined to rebuild their own alternator, which is not that hard, how about this. Order up a quality rebuilt part from your local auto parts store, move all the needed parts from the rebuilt to your core and take the rebuilt back to the store and collect your core charge. This is a lot cheaper than purchasing all those parts individually.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Alternator Parts

I didn't spend 25.00 on my parts but I have an external regulator. If your diods test good (most do) then get the 2 bearings, regulator, brushes and bearings.

DOM

[Thomas H.]

Re: Alternator Parts

Finished up the rebuild this weekend. I had an old alternator sitting around that I used for practice with pressing the bearings out so when it came time for the rwal one, I had my press set up fine tuned.

I ended up replacing the brushes and voltage regulator along with the bearings and diode trio. Parts cost was reasonable. I reused the original date coded diode bridge. It tested fine so I reused it, plus it has that neat date code on it to go along with the theme...........

So after 5 or so years of looking I now have a correct date coded alternator.

Thanks for all of the tips.

Tom