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In December of 1987, Randy started Fifth Avenue Antique Auto Parts to market the new 6-volt alternator. He designed a sales brochure, began sending out new product press releases, and started placing ads in automotive and farm magazines. During this time, Fifth Avenue Antique Auto Parts also introduced a 12-volt alternator that would be able to recharge the battery at idle, speeds as low as 400 rpms. This was in contrast to modern alternators, which provide little or no output below 1200 engine rpms.

vintage carWith the alternators selling well locally, it was time to gain some national exposure. Randy began talking with a number, of the teams entered in the Great American Race, a vintage car race in which pre 1940 cars are driven 4500 miles across the United States in just 14 days. He worked out a deal to install one of his 6-volt alternators at no charge on a 1936 Cord owned by Bud Melby of Seattle Washington. In exchange, Randy would receive advertising rights and an endorsement if the alternator proved successful.

The 6-volt alternator worked perfectly and solved a number of electrical problems on the 1936 Cord. Cord automobiles are unique in that they have an electric shift selector on the steering column that is used to electrically shift the gears in the transmission. Prior to, the 6-volt alternator being installed, a pause was required in between shifts to allow the shifting solenoids time to work properly.

In addition, the car was equipped with an electric solenoid controlled overdrive transmission that had a tendency to become "stuck" in the "high" side. These transmission problems were all a result of low voltage. The original generator charging system was not able to deliver enough, electrical current at low engine rpms to make the transmission shift properly. After Randy's new 6-volt alternator was installed the transmission shifted immediately without hesitation, and no longer required a pause in between shifts. In addition, the overdrive could now be shifted between the low and high range at any speed. Best of all the worry of dead batteries and dim headlights was eliminated. The Cord was made to be much more reliable and the team went on to finish in fifth place out of 100 entrants in the 1989 race.

With the success of the new 6-volt alternator proven in the 1989 Great American Race, it was time to go knock on a few more doors. Randy decided that if he could get a few more Great Racers to use his alternator, it would be easier to sell the alternators to the average antique vehicle owner.

 

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