Ford alternator adaptation
Ford alternator adaptation
(OP)
I have installed an '03 Ford Mustang engine into a Model A and have utilized the '03 alternator. The Mustang gauge was originally installed inline in the regulator circuit and had a resistance of 490 ohms. I replaced the original Mustang gauge with a carbon resistor of 500 ohms. I have installed VDO gauges which use a voltmeter. Voltage in a static condition indicate 12 volts on the VDO gauge. Running it shows 14. The battery is new and has had limited run time so it is possible that it does not have a full charge. My concern is that the battery is being overcharged??? I do not know the accuracy of the carbon resistor. Would it be reasonable to replace the resistor with a potentiometer (0-500 ohm) to control the voltage?
Thanks, 3oo3
Thanks, 3oo3





RE: Ford alternator adaptation
With respect to the 'carbon resistor' and the 'Mustang gauge', at least one of us doesn't know what you are doing, or trying to do. Can you get some local help?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
And, as Mike Halloran points out, we may refer to automotive systems as "12 Volt", but the actual voltage is a little higher.
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
Make that 2 of us that don't know what he is doing.
Regards
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RE: Ford alternator adaptation
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
Have a look at the schematics for the donor car. A lot of alternators today have internal regulators, as I suspect yours does. You have to work hard to modify the performance of systems like that, and mostly they work well enough that you shouldn't feel the need.
If you're still nervous about cooking the battery, just leave the headlights on.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
I have some recollection of old fashioned amp meters that had a resistor in parallel. I am sure that a google search would throw up a diagram.
Regards
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RE: Ford alternator adaptation
I replaced the 6v coil with one compatible with the 12v system without the need of a separate ign resistor along with a set of 289 points and condenser on a modified breaker plate to replace the Model A stuff. Sorry, I don't see a problem.
It's been doing fine now for several years.
Rod
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
How do you turn the windscreen wipers off.
Whenever I ran 12 volts through a 6 volt wiper motor they went so fast they ran through the parked zone then continued to the park position, then through it again.
Regards
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RE: Ford alternator adaptation
Rod
RE: Ford alternator adaptation
They all had electric wipers and I needed to swith the main power line to stop them. This bypassed the park feature.
Regards
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