Converting to alternator from generator

les44

60 elky wip. thing of beauty in primer. Wife says its eysore. What does she know?!!!
I have been going over the list of things i want to get done on the car before paint and one thing for sure i want is to convert to alternator. If anyone has accomplished this i would appreciate your input.

1. The engine will be upgraded to an early small block, probably 350.
2. trans will be auto overdrive probably 700 R-4.
3. no major mods to engine other than holley 4 bbl & headers.
4. ign will be streetfire hei.
5. A/C will be added. I prefer a frigedare compressor but don't know if R-134A will work in these systems. Question for another forum.

Don't know what else to add other than I have a pioneer sound system but I am an old fart and as such I get off on quiet sounds so the sound system should not be an issue.
Surely someone has switched to alt. and there are bound to be tips.
One more thing. Does anyone know how many 60 Elkys were made? Just curious. I've googled and haven't been able to find out.
Thanks to all who took the time to read this.
Les

S.V. · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:45 am Post subject:

Les,
Converting to an alternator is relatively easy. If you buy an angine try and get one with the alternator already mounted. The one wire alternators are the easiest to connect but the earlier ones aren't too hard. The main + wire (the fat red one) just needs to connect to the positive battery terminal. You may have to connect a wire to the generator warning light. This is not too difficult.
Production for the 1960 El Camino was 14,163.
The Frigidaire compressor will work with R134a. You will need to make sure you have the correct oil in it. If you buy a brand new one it should already have the correct oil.
Hope this helps.

_________________
59 El Camino
67 Cougar
66 Falcon Futura Sports Coupe
56 Thunderbird
Yes I know theyre not all Chevvies.

464elky · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:28 am Post subject:

The smallest brown wire at the regulator plug will get connected to the relay side of the small two plug connector on the alternator to work your light. the other side of the two wire connector gets connected to the main battery post on the rear of the alternator (just a jumper).
_________________
84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.

70 EL · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

464elky · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

Looking at the rear of the alternator put the small brown wire on the right terminal of the internal and jump the left terminal to the hot post.

I don't remember if they use the hot feed to the external regulator to tie some feeds together so you will have to check that.
_________________
84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.