Alternator/Dynamo replacement

[slow]

Morning all!

Back on the road after a lengthy spitfire hiatus,  8)
Now getting all the bits together ready for some 'winter projects'...
one of them definitely has to be replacing the old dynamo, it's
squealing like mad, seems to struggle with the lights + the stereo, etc etc.

So, if I were to go charging off the my local scrappy (Nutbourne scrapyard on
a Saturday morning is a very special place) Is there something specific I should
be looking for? I assume I'll need more than just the alternator? (Rectifier / Regulator?)
Anybody know of any easy replacement parts off a modern car?

Thanks all!

Chris

[Clive]

Welcome, fairly local too! Maybe I should take a trip to this scrappy, are they a good source of "stuff"??

Anyway, alternators. You can't go very modern easily, as all the later stuff (I would guess mid/late 90's onwards) have the flat, multivee type belts.
The easiest way to do the conversion is to use a lucas type one, similar to the later spitfires etc. There are many varients, but I would suggets it is worth avoiding the reconditioned ones (though they can be bought very cheaply) as they seem to have a very short lifespan.
Something like metro/escort etc may be suitable,l but watch for where the fixings are.
You can re-use the existing dynamo bracket but will need to play with spacers to get the pulleys to line up, not at all difficult.

Wiring is easy. Look at you control box (that is no longer needed)
the earth wire is not needed.
The wl and f wires need joining.
The rest if the wires need to be joined. Not as easy as it sounds, they are thick, and I have heard of several solutions (crimp/solder ring connectors to each and bolt them together, or use a household junction box, or earth block and insulate after, etc etc)
If you are using a 40amp+ alternator you really need an extra wire to go from the alternator direct to the battery, otherwise you may melt the existing charging wire.

[slow]

They've not let me down yet, but it's a very peculiar place! (But then I assume that's the same with all scrappies?)

Can i not tear the pulley off my alternator and plonk on the spinde of a new one?

And so my new wiring should basically 'skip' everything and go directly onto the battery?
Do all alternators have their rectifier built-in?

Finally, (I'm using the spit as a daily driver for a few weeks)...
...It was bloody cold this morning!

[Clive]

Swapping pullies is a pain, usually different spindles.
The control box wiring will need modifying as above if you fit an alternator. But you may need an extra wire to the battery to cope with the potentially larger charging current.
And yes I would say the vast majority have the rectifiers etc built in.

Best bet will be an older car.