Alternator Conversion
The old
32 Amp Motorola Alternators just can't keep up with today's Ramblers electrical
needs. With the addition of high output headlights, that mega watt
stereo and other goodies nothing less than 65 Amps will do! This
article will tell you how to go from 32 to 65 amps for under 90, dollars
that is.
This conversion is pretty easy. First you'll need to purchase a Delco
one wire alternator with the output current of your choice. Disconnect
the battery, then remove all of the wires from the back of old alternator.
Tape all wires back into the wire harness except the big red wire, this
is the only wire you are going to use. Remove the old alternator and save
it in case you want to restore your car to its original condition.
Measure your old alternator mounting bracket. You are going to cut
excess material off of the new alternator mounting point from the back
side only. This needs too be done to assure the belt will
line up correctly.
You probably will have to replace the fan belt and alternator adjusting
arm and alternator mounting bracket. Most part stores sell replacement
alternator brackets. For this job you will need to purchase a bracket that
is curved and about 14 " long and 1 " wide. The one purchased for
the pictured Marlin conversion was too long. If this is the case
for your conversion figure out where you need to saw to get the proper
length, then drill new mounting holes through the bracket.
This conversion has been performed on several older Ramblers with 287's
or 327's, three Gremlins with 232 engines and one Matador which had a 304
engine. Can't say for sure if this will work on all AMC's.
Remove excess housing metal as indicated below
This may look like a lot of material to remove, but when you get started
you will find that the casting is hollow, so it's not that bad. It should
take about ten minutes with a cut off wheel attached to a Dremal..
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