Convert generator to alternator

beesbal · Post by **beesbal** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:07 pm

I would like to replace my generator with a alternator.
What parts will I need time and cost involved
I have heard that the foot piece where the genetator rest on must be replaced with a different one,and that the pully will be different as well?
This will be done on a 81 beetle
Thanks

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:59 pm

Ron&Gill · Post by **Ron&Gill** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:16 pm

I see Dave Rowley's got alternators for sale...

ainokea · Post by **ainokea** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:50 am

You're going to need an alternator stand and hold down strap I'm not sure about the backing plate because there are no 81
beetles here in Hawaii and I've never even seen one. If it's an air cooled beetle, I'm sure there won't be that big a difference between a 71 and an 81.If I'm wrong, please let me know. I've been a VW wrench for over 40 years and joined this and several other sites to learn.
Thanx Ainokea

Post by **calooker** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 7:02 am

The pedistal as others have mentioned needs changing, the genny regulator needs to be bypassed. There are two types of alternators, earlier ones still use a external regulator (under the back seat) and the newer type have an internal regulator that need all the wires under the seat spliced.
If you have limitted wiring knowledge it's better to get a auto elec. to do it but if you would like a DIY job I can help you with wiring instructions.
Provided you dont have a bus genny the backing plates will work, pulley's don't need to be changed.
Rui 082 830 6493

brianj · Post by **brianj** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 7:13 am

easy job once you have grown your arms to get the fan off the easy way!
theres quite a bit on this and its very doable... go for it!

beesbal · Post by **beesbal** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:34 pm

Sorry guys as to the year model it is actually 1973.
I was thinking of my honda cb750f witch is a 81

vader · Post by **vader** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:21 pm

BWHHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA

It will take as long as it takes and be done when its done.....

WestyT2 · Post by **WestyT2** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:03 am

I was also considering changing my 1969 Westy's genny to an alternator, but there is a lot involved. Appart from the pedistal and backing plates the fuel pump must also be replaced.

beesbal · Post by **beesbal** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:00 pm

a alternater charges a lot better.its a worth while upgrade.especialy if you have added a audio system or something that can be hungry for juice.

WestyT2 · Post by **WestyT2** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:19 pm

You are right. I can think of many reasons you need extra electrical oomph in a Camper !

Post by **Bugger** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:56 pm

WestyT2 wrote:the fuel pump must also be replaced.

It all depends if the fuel pump clears the alty or not and the major diferance between the ganny and alty Fuel pumps are the length of the push rod I have fitted pumps visea versa before which ever were available

Aircooled VW South Africa

Convert generator to alternator

Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator

Re: Convert generator to alternator