We all know I have a semi-auto Beetle :P ... she has a generator currently.
I'd love to get a 75amp alternator for her, but want to know if it's easy to swap them over, or because she's an auto will things be different? I know Damien (Killavegieman) tried to put one in Adolf, but wasn't able to.... is there anything different between the 1968 auto Beetles and the 1970 ones?
Any help/info much appreciated, as this is a mod I really want to do!
Just curious as to why you want an alternator? Is your generator worn out, do you have a big stereo, spot lights, or some other electrical device which draws alot of power?
Well, being a stick-shift auto it uses current to change gears.... and when I drive at night with headlights on, my stereo likes to turn off when I'm idling at lights. If I have my headlights on and am indicating to turn - my stereo dies... and if you want to add rain and wipers working to that equation, you get the picture... 😂 I love my Bug! :P
I'd be looking for a wiring/resiatance problem - I have headlights with big bulbs, CD player and never had a drama. Check the rsistance and clean terminals on the big main lead to fuse box, plus all the fuses
Have to agree with VWCOOL I think you have a problem somewhere , generator shouldn't be performing that badly.
Just looked at 68AutoBug's pictures and he is using an alternator
Quote of the week
"Do I wish to send them to you again, nope, no interest can't be bothered really, to much hassle for little or no return."
It's not that bad honestly. Auto's use more power anyway... and my stereo is pretty good. It turns off mainly when I'm stopped at traffic lights at night in the rain and need headlights and wipers on, but once I get going again all is good. 😂 Might get an Amp in the future too, so a 75amp alternator would fix all that for sure!
I just want to know if it's doable, or if it would need to be modded in any way....
Pretty_Blue_Bug wrote:Well, being a stick-shift auto it uses current to change gears.... and when I drive at night with headlights on, my stereo likes to turn off when I'm idling at lights. If I have my headlights on and am indicating to turn - my stereo dies... and if you want to add rain and wipers working to that equation, you get the picture... 😂 I love my Bug! :P
[ Edited on 30/3/2006 by Pretty_Blue_Bug ]
I know how you feel, when I'm idling at the lights, my blinkers sometimes don't work unless I rev it a bit..
The conversion should be pretty straight forward, though yhou may need a spacer for your carby to clear the alt...
If you plan on installing an amp, an alternator may be a good upgrade in the furture.
However, I think you have another problem apart from not enough power. Before rushing out and spending money on an alternator, I would have the electrics checked out otherwise there is no guarantee that the same thing won't keep happening.
The auto dont use that much power, Im with the whole resistance and old wire thing.
The best mod to start is a new high amp wire (fused) from battery to front of car.
Check all earths and rewire as req.
New alternator is just fixing a symptom not the problem.
kkk
Pretty_Blue_Bug wrote:Stereo doesn't turn off at other times, only when a lot is on along with it.... it's a selfish power-hungry stereo... 😂
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
you need to change the generator/alternator stand, as well as remove/replace the regulator under the seat. You will need a few wire connections changed etc. The carby may need a spacer.
Another option would be a 38amp generator from a 1600 kombi.
the amount of power the auto is draws would be no different to a tail light bulb
i had a problem with the electrical system in my 71 Sbug it had a genny and every time i hit the brakes or indicators my speakers dropped out for a sec a new regulator fixed the problem completely
alternators will work on pretty much all upright engines from 40hp on
the only reason aldolfs probably didnt work was the pedastool needs to be changed as well
u can fit a genny on an alt stand but an alt want go on a genny stand
PBB,
I'll chime in with everyone and say try and fix the drain problem first before splurging the $$$'s on an alternator.
However.....
In a couple of days, I'll have finished my conversion and it can be done. There's a couple of traps you must watch out for depending on your choices.
Alternator stand is a must.
No one has mentioned fuel pump. You need to be certain yours will fit.
You may have to whip out the grinder onto the alternator for both the stand, and for the carb if you have an OE 34 Pict 3. A spacer is cheap, but will cause some wear in the cable.
Your generator stand may not want to come off without some persuasion.
If your fan tin has 10mm bolts in the bottom two screw holes, you can remove the gennie, replace with alternator without undoing the shroud. Prepare to have a psychotic episode putting the bolts back in.
Get yourself a decent oil filler gland nut tool unless you have a different breather tower (I haven't seen PBB's donk....)
Alternator fan belt is wider and longer than a gennie one, your choice.
The mechanicals are taking ages for me, the electrical stuff I knocked over in a couple of hours.
The wiring changes are fairly minor, but if you go 75 Amp your current generator cable and such may be marginal. I'm replacing Klaus' gennie with a 55 Amp unit and the gennie wires are OK. I'm not familiar enough with auto elec stuff to say yay or nay about any wiring changes with a 75 Amp unit.
i remember reading somewhere that the 75 amp one requires a new cable to be run to the battery. ive also done this recently but with a 55amp version. but then again i had no problems with the car stereo cutting out before
Will definitely check all wiring, etc but it won't be fun as it's not very neat. :P
I'll still be tempted by the 75amp alternator as I can get one for a great price....
The accel pump on the carb can be reversed to fit.
Wiring is easy, just disconnect the volt reg.
Do you actually know what volts you are charging already?
If the battery is good you should be able to use all accessories AND run the engine with no issues with NO genny at all. (total loss system)
If you cannot do that then the genny is not the issue.
You are upsizing the engine when the fuel line is blocked .......
kkk
Pretty_Blue_Bug wrote:Wow, thanx for all the info everyone 🙂
Will definitely check all wiring, etc but it won't be fun as it's not very neat. :P
I'll still be tempted by the 75amp alternator as I can get one for a great price....
🙂
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
Chargine volts is what I meant, at the battery? 14.4 IIRC
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
kkk,
I'll disagree on the ease of the linkage flip. Without a clear method or pics I found it impossible. Too much binding (I need to run full stroke) and even with bending the pump arm wouldn't reach the connection hole around the throttle shaft.
I'll be posting up when I've finished my conversion and there's a little section on this very subject.
But all volksies and carbs aren't equal. PBB, you'll have to try for yourself.
Look forward to seeing your conversion when you're done Ctefeh. 🙂
Might pick my mechanic's brain on the subject too and see what he thinks... though I know he'll want me to keep it as it is. He doesn't even want me to get a foam air filter! :P
I dont have this great bus anymore but the alternator fit was really smooth with the correct stand. All alternator stands are not equal was the message from Mick Mtrs. Got mine in the kit from Mick. Needed newer type fuel pump (no prob as I had that already)
I flipped the link, tweaked all the connections. Im pretty mech and engineering savvy and didnt need spacers etc.
I agree with tha fool on the foam filters though, I only had that as I couldnt find the correct barrel filter and a po had put that one on. Next time I got FI plans.
If the charge and volts at the battery are ok then a 500 amp alternator isnt going to fix the prob. Ppl with gennies have fun stereos, spots and the car running with no probs.
30 yo wiring is more the issue in my opinion
Im doing this (NOS loom) on my 1970 bmw right now and can assure you the difference is amazing.
The kombi pictured had all sorts of crap electric probs solved with a new power circuit and attn to the earths.
If you wanna alternator PBB go for it but I bet a six pack it wont fix the problem
:beer:beer:beer:beer:beer:beer
kkk
ctefeh wrote:kkk,
I'll disagree on the ease of the linkage flip. Without a clear method or pics I found it impossible. Too much binding (I need to run full stroke) and even with bending the pump arm wouldn't reach the connection hole around the throttle shaft.
I'll be posting up when I've finished my conversion and there's a little section on this very subject.
But all volksies and carbs aren't equal. PBB, you'll have to try for yourself.
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
ok the accelarator pump linkage on a genny carb cant be flipped as it end up in the totally wrong positon and the genny style fuel pumps can be used with an alt its just a tight fit
this is the old engine outta one of my bugs it has the genny style carb and fuel pump but a factory 50amp alt
as u can see the fuel pump is close but fits and the carb linkage has been bent towards the carb to clear and part of the alt casing has been ground down
