Reality check. I’m not going to be able to rebuild my alternator this winter as planned.
I’d like to send it out to have it rebuilt.
Any recommendations on who to use?
It’s the original from a 1968 Cougar XR7 302 without air.
No known issue with it, but wanted to have at least the bearings, brushes replace and the unit tested.
Its been on the car, unused for 40 years.
It also needs to be cleaned up but not a full restoration.
Thank you.
I would too consider rebuilding it myself if it were mine. The reasons being is that A: the further knowledge gained in the execution of doing so is always beneficial and B: the greater insight of what to expect if this is not going to be your only rebuild as there may be another in the future.
I always rebuild my own the cheap way. I get rebuilt Motorcraft alternators from the local auto part store they are something like $35 with tax. I take apart the OEM Autolite alternator and bead blast the case. Then I install all the guts from the Motorcraft unit. Order a new fan, nut, lock washer and pulley from Dead Nuts On. Assemble the leftover bits to get my core charge money back from the local auto part store.
Auto Electric International - On Telegraph Road in Southfield http://www.aeimich.com/
I had them do one of my more modern ones and they had it ready for me to pickup in two days.
Otherwise I really like Royce’s idea.
What problem are you seeing that calls for a rebuild?
If it is front bearing noise, those are easily replaceable and easily available.
If the output is down, then whether you want to rebuild yourself depends on your electrical diagnosis skill level.
Edit: After re-reading your original post, your biggest task if you do it yourself will be cleaning up the pulley, fan, and case. The front bearing and brushes are easy to get at NAPA. And both are easy to replace.
I do exactly like Royce suggested. Cheap and easy with great results.
Question for those who have rebuilt their alternator, do the castings have Autolite cast into them? I have some with no markings and some with motocraft but none with Autolite, I’ve seen ones with the Autolite ink stamp, which would be correct for 1968? Thanks in advance.
For 1968, no they do not. No markings as to amperage either. All of that was ink stamped in 1968. The housing has a distinctive tear drop shape cast in the rear face. The arm on the front face where the belt adjustment bolt threads in is rounded on the bottom.