What's involved...

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:55 pm

...in converting from generator to alternator - and is it worth it?

Post by **Pine** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:10 pm

Worth it? Undoubtly...

You need to get an... uhm... WORKING altenator, and an altenator stand, and ensure that the fan fits your fan housing. Some wiring changes will also needed to be made, as most altenators have an internal regulator unlike the large regulator of a gen.

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:17 pm

...and generator I shall keep.

*grin*

Thanks Pine.

N.

Post by **calooker** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:21 pm

If you run big amps/sound/lights a alternator is the way to go. A genny can send out about 30 Amps @ 2500rpm while an alternator can do that at idle, the swap is simple the complex bit is getting the wiring sorted and the regulator removed. There are 2 types of alternators one with the built in regulator (the better one) refered to as the single pin alternator and the one with a external regulator which has 3 pins, the external regulators for both the alternator and genny are also different.

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:38 pm

...so how easy is it to source th kit, and what's the approximate cost involved?

Wiring is not an issue, as my bug is going to be rewired front to back.

Cheers, N.

Post by **calooker** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:44 pm

They are often for sale in the Junkmail anything from R600 just for the alternator.

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:47 pm

Am I correct in assuming that later ('68+) bugs came out with alternators?

In this case, I should be able to buy everything I need from a VW shop...I would imagine.

I'll keep a lookout.

Thanks guys, N.

Post by **calooker** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:03 pm

3 pin Alternator 73/74, 1 pin from 75 onwards

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:06 pm

Kewl; thanks.

I'll keep a lookout. N.