I am contemplating to replace dynamo with an alternator. I notice that there are alternator disguised into dynamo in the market and their price is quite stiff. I am not interested to have these fakes, I prefer a real alternator that will fit and do the job.
I will change polarity to negative earth before.
Does somebody with experience could recommend what and where to purchase this conversion items?
Thanks in advance,

 

Hello,

I replaced the Generator on my XK150.
Just used a generic 70 Amp unit, did have to modify the bracket.
I removed the internals of the voltage regulator.
The ignition light on the dash need to be connected to the indicator lead on the alternator.
The + wire to the Battery, that's it.
In the meantime I replaced the mechanical fan with a electric one.
All electrical components will work fine with the reverse polarity.
Except the clock, that needs to be disconnected ( if it works at all )

Regards,
Peter Jan
Xk150 FHC
S-type 1967
Xk140 FHC

 

You will find the rebuilt dynos have been converted to alternators. They actually can put out 3X the power of the generator and can be setup for the power steering systems. Besides looking original for possible shows.

 

sure you can change to an alternator and there is nothing wrong at all with the alternators that are hidden in an orig generator (dynamo) housing. Same for regulator..solid state ones can be hidden in the orig regulator body.
But..why?
The orignal geneators when rebuilt (a quality complete rebuild by a known specialist shop) last a long time, are simple, and provide "amp"le charging.

Once on the path of so called upgrades..where does it stop..you can have a new modern radiator, a 5 speed synchro gearbox, an electronic distributor, Wilwood brakes, a mp3 stereo, a chevy engine?

 

I will most probably stop before the chevy engine ! (lol !)

 

Chrisitian,

Definitely a good place to stop. :-)

Side story - in the late 50's, my Dad owned a Ferrari. Sold it when the family started growing. Found out later that new owner blew the engine (which was subsequently repaired and installed in another car) and put a supercharged Chevy in. :-(

Good luck with your car.

 

Generally in Europe, the more you move away from original, the less the car is worth. This certainly applies in the UK, but Switzerland may be different, of course. Better to fit the dynamo look-alike, even if it does cost a lot !

Mind you, people are now fitting twin circuit brakes to enhance safety, so one can never be too pedantic about originality. A Chevy engine would kill all value though.