Change Generator to an Alternator

Is there kit or diagram to change a 1947 from a generator to n alternator? What all do you have to change electric?

Thanks Jimmy

Wow.

Having a bad day Bruce?

Looks like Jimmy just joined 2 hours ago. Nice welcome.

Hi Jimmy,

There's tons of posts, wiring diagrams, and information about converting vintage jeeps from generator to alternator.

Lots of it in this forum, and tons more on the interweb.

Do you know how to search?

Good luck!

Edited by Ron D - 19 May 2023 at 9:34pm

1951 M38
1951 M100

This one: https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/12v-wiring-diagram_topic19145.html

1951 M38
1951 M100

Kaiser Willy’s sells a conversion kit. You can check it out in their catalog

Mike in AZ

I suggest setting up your own conversion rather than paying the expensive one as noted above. The 10SI delco alternators are really cheap on Rock Auto even with a core charge and after that it's just a bit of wiring. Usually it's suggested you delete the Ammeter of the stock setup and use a volt meter instead when converting.

1946...ish CJ2A
1976 CJ5
1995 XJ

Yes, lots to consider if making the kit yourself. Not hard to do.

A fairly common amp size for the Delco 10SI is 63 amps and this is plenty for a stock jeep. I stayed with the +/- 50 amp ammeter instead of changing to a voltmeter. Either works. Lots of opinions which gauge is better. More amps isn't necessarily better if you don't need them because more amps usually costs more $.

Decide if you want a "One-wire" or the "3-wire" hook up. Because most jeeps don't have a tell-tale idiot light on the dash for the alternator, a "One-wire" hook up is simple and works well.

You'll want to buy the alternator "clocked" for the 9-o'clock mounting position on the L134.

Check the pulley to make sure the belt width fits in the sheave properly and that the pulley aligns with the crank and water pump pulleys correctly. If you need a different pulley, they're pretty cheap and easy to change. I'm running dual-belts so had to change the pulley for that.

I also customized my 10SI by selecting and installing a voltage regulator that charges at 13.8 volts (typical is 14.3 volts) and has a "low rpm" cut-in (the speed that begins charging). Pulley diameter affects this as well.

Consider installing a circuit breaker to protect the alternator. Not expensive and fairly easy to do.

The Delco 10SI has been around 50+ years and they made millions of them. It's a good piece of gear.

Good luck.

Edited by Ron D - 25 May 2023 at 4:22pm

1951 M38
1951 M100

The Mad Electrical site is an excellent source of information if you're not familiar with electrical systems, like I was. He may still be available by phone and is extremely knowledgeable, but only call at your own risk as he will literally never stop talking! Super nice guy, but wow...

47 CJ2A w/fuel injected boat engine
48 CJ2A
64 Ford Econoline Travelwagon
If you can't get there in a Jeep, get a motorcycle!

Yeah, Bruce has chewed everyone’s ass

Pay no mind, nothing to see here.

Oh, & get off my lawn.

1947 CJ2A #88659 "Rat Patrol"
1953 CJ3A #453-GB1 11266 "Black Beauty"
1964 Thunderbird convertible
..... & one of them moves under it's own power!!

Lee MN wrote:

A 12v generator is a much easier swap and looks original, just say’in 😬

Lee

X2!! When I see an alternator under the hood of an old Willys Jeep, I feel a little bit sad. Cry

1- 1946 CJ2A
2- 1949 CJ3A