215 223 262 Alternator converison for under $45, no welding

[mongrot]

I realize some of the 61-64s came with an alternator but I couldn't find one for under $200 + $80 regulator so I decided to use an internally regulated GM alternator off a squarebody/G-body/ etc.


https://imgur.com/oN7SvL4
https://imgur.com/sjfLdxb
https://imgur.com/0itiP1Y
https://imgur.com/NVYOq2g
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Tuff-Stu ... 10261.html
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/gates,7385,belt,8900
https://imgur.com/xHA5uN6


Decided to convert my 64 with a 223 to a 63A GM alternator since I'm running an aftermarket stereo & amp and there isn't an aftermarket bracket that I know of. Used original bracket (upper & lower). It's much easier that I thought. I flipped the lower bracket upside-down then drilled holes to move it forward about 1" & used a piece of tubing as a spacer. For the upper bracket I used a 1/4" thick washer + standard washer to bring the upper bracket forward (installed a 1/4" longer water pump bolt to compensate the change). I removed the alternator pulley and installed a dual belt pulley off a 50's GM spartan (but I believe 70's Dodges & Allis Chalmers + other heavy equipment used the same pulley). ..

.Moving the lower bracket farther forward would eliminate the need for the dual groove pulley but you'd have to cut and weld in a piece... something I didn't want to do.

For wiring, I simply turned my original non-functional external regulator into a junction block (the ground wire that was on the generator is not connected at the alternator anymore, the wire that would go to "I" on external regulator is connected directly to "R/1" on the alternator, the "F" or field wire at external regulator (yellow/black) is connected directly to BATT on the alternator and "F/2" from the Alt is jumped to the same "BATT" connection which is always hot with a short 10 gauge wire). I can make a wiring diagram that shows how everything works if you want to do this modification don't understand the wiring. (Alt/Gen telltale is still connected).


Parts List

-73-86 GMC Alternator $10 @ junkyard
-Alternator brushes & bearings $17 @ Rockauto
-Belt (GATES 7385) $13 @ Rockauto ---- (13/32" x 39-1/8")
-Spacer Free @ junkyard
-Dual groove pulley Free @ junkyard
-Bolts & washers $4 @ hardware store