[Healeys] Is it a generator? No!

Mr. Bill bn1 at pacbell.net
Wed Feb 11 16:25:31 MST 2009


Hi Patrick and Listers,

I've been running one from a UK vendor (of course I bought when the # 
was still high) for several months now and am sold on them.  Like you, I 
just couldn't stand seeing a big ol' GM one sitting right up on top in 
front of God and everybody.

I like to keep at least a reasonably original look.  I modified the 
regulator to look stock while the inside was just a junction block.  I 
used the stock, painted cooling fan and painted the casing engine color 
but left the cast end plates bare.  Even though they show Lucas, they 
are not correct.  But when someone notices, I simply say the ear broke 
off the rear one and I couldn't find another early plate with the brass 
oiler.  "Oh, I knew something was wrong."  Boy old eagle eyes, you 
should be a concours judge!  LOL  (Oops, I let the cat out of the bag!)

A word of caution:  Be absolutely sure the main battery switch is turned 
off while when making the change.  One big "Zap!" from the otherwise 
always hot wire will cause a very costly mistake.  DAMHIK

I'm also changing to all LED's including the instrument panel, but 
that's a story for another day.

Bill Barnett
'53 BN1 (with even fewer original parts)


>> G'day
>>
>> Over the years I have seen with interest those Austin-Healey owners who
>> have fitted modern alternators to their cars.
>>
>> Honestly I have thought about it but the idea of a modern alternator
>> does not appeal. Not that I am really into concours any more. It's just
>> I don't like the look of them.
>>
>> I have often thought that why an alternator couldn't look like a
>> generator. Well I have just been sent some photos from a business here
>> in Australia that is offering on an exchange basis, alternators that
>> have been built inside the casing of a generator. Yes they even throw in
>> the plans to make your existing regulator into a non-working dummy.
>>
>> Yes the polarity still has to be changed to negative earth, but unless
>> you tell the concours police how are they going to know?
>>
>> The website is www.caenterprises.com.au
>>
>> However I don't think it yet rates a mention on the site, being so new.
>>
>> I have some pics if you want any. Of course I get a zillion drachmas for
>> every one sold - I wish!
>>
>> Hoo Roo
>>
>> Patrick Quinn
>> Sydney, Australia


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