Automotive Generator Source?

[rtimgray]

I have a couple of projects that I'm working on and I need some old 12 volt automotive style generators (not alternators). All I have found so far in my internet searching is some very expensive ($100 or more) options. Does anybody know of a source for used but working or rebuilt generators? I need at least two and would like them to be identical if possible.

Another thing I was wondering was if anybody knew of a a popular vehicle that used a generator that I might be able to use that information to search from used or rebuilt generators?

I've checked eBay but haven't found a matching pair yet.

Thanks for any help. Take care.

 

[Volfandt]

Try searching the lawn & garden tractor sections at ebay. 60's models Wheel Horse's, Cub Cadet's, John Deere's etc all used starter/generators which are basically a std automotive 12v generator that can generate up to 15 amps. I picked up one for my Wheel Horse for around $20 a couple yrs ago. Most all are rebuildable by most any generator repair shop.
Good luck

 

[RonMar]

Why do you need a generator and not an alternator?

 

[rtimgray]

A used generator (or a new, for that matter), with just a little tinkering, can be converted to a cheap electric motor, and that's really what I'm needing them for. I don't believe that an alternator is suitable for such a conversion. Thanks.

 

[rtimgray]

Volfandt - thank you very much. That is just the type of information that I'm looking for. If I can find a several tractors/cars/trucks etc that used generators, then I can search using that criteria as well.

Thanks again.

 

[mjarrels]

Check tractor junk yards... My old ford tractor has a 12 volt genny.

mark

 

[Keoke]

Hi, Dodge switched to alternators in 1960, Chevy in late 1963 and Ford in 1964.
Dodge went 12 volt generators in 56, Chevy in 55 and Ford in 56.
GM uses "A" circuit (grounding field for regulation) Ford and Dodge use "B" circuit for field flux control.

lots of luck,

 

[tommu56]

we use alot of dc motors in our plant at work here is alinke to leeson they hava good selection.
LEESON Literature: Bulletin 1600

I'm sure there others baldor, GE, granger ect.

tommu

 

[JPinnell]

Old Air Cooled VWs had generators up until the mid 70s. Think Bus, Bug, Ghia, etc. My '73 Thing has a Generator, and the '70 and '72 Karmann Ghias I've owned also were generator. The '74 Super Beetle was a Motorola Alternator.

Mounting it for motor use will be different but easily doable. Think big hose clamp as the generator case is round with no mounting ears. The original use had them mounted to a contoured stand with a strap, big cooling fan for the motor on one end and a split pulley for a V-Belt on the other end of the shaft. You should be able to adapt it fairly easy.

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/411139.jpg

 

[rtimgray]

The generators that I have used have mounting ears (two of them) similar to alternators. But thanks for the advice about the hose clamps - if I come across generators without ears I will use that idea.