In
summary, this simply extended the length of time the battery
could be used before it became completely discharged.
But
the actual problem still remains. We need to provide a
minimum of (7) volts to our battery so all of our accessories
will be powered by a full (6) volts. Next we need to find
a charging system that will recharge the battery at idle
and low rpms. This will make our headlights bright and
put an end to the dead batteries.
Fifth
Avenue has built just such a charging system.
Their 6-volt alternator is able to recharge the battery
at idle and low rpms, and has an output of (60) amps,
(7.5) volts. It also has a solid state regulator built
inside of the alternator for bullet-proof reliability.
Features include a simple 2-wire hookup for easy installation.
Let’s
compare Fifth Avenue’s alternator
to our 1950 Chevrolet car from before. An alternator will
produce 60% of it’s rated capacity at an idle. In
this case that would be (34) amps. We needed (35.4) amps
for everything. Good enough!
Now...at
highway speeds this 6-volt alternator has an output of
(60) amps, more than enough for the job! An alternator
is designed to run at no more than (80%) of it’s
rated capacity continuously. That would be (45) amps. This
alternator has enough power to run everything plus we can
add still more accessories and be safe.
One
of the easiest improvements you can make
to your vehicle’s electrical system is to improve
the system ground. To do this you need to move
the battery ground cable so it goes directly from
the negative post of the battery (negative ground
system) to a starter mounting bolt. It was common
practice (even from the factory) to connect the
battery ground cable to either the motor or the
frame. By doing this, part of your battery cranking
power is lost trying to overcome the resistance
along this indirect path. High resistance in the
starting circuit results in a slow cranking engine,
or one that doesn’t start at all
when its hot.
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Fifth
Avenue Antique Auto Parts has spent the last 15 years solving
the electrical, cooling, and fuel related problems
associated with antique, classic, and special interest vehicles.
You are invited to take advantage of their vast knowledge
and " hands-on” experience.
Aside
from the electrical related charging problems we solved
earlier, two other areas
need to be addressed. They are cooling and fuel. Lets look
at the common, cooling related problems, and the solutions.
The
Flathead Ford motors built between 1932 and 1953 used
a unique generator mounting  bracket that was a part of
the generator housing itself. Fifth Avenue offers
a replacement mounting bracket (made of machined steel)
for this application.
This allows the new alternator to be mounted in the exact
same position as the former generator. The fan belt is
adjusted
using the same procedure as before.
 Some
of the early Flathead Ford motors mounted the radiator cooling
fan on the end of the generator pulley. In these applications
there was a double row ball bearing installed inside the drive
end of the generator, to carry the extra weight. A modern
alternator’s design does not allow space enough for
a double row bearing. If the fan is bolted to the front of
the alternator pulley it will ruin the front bearing of the
alternator in about 3000 miles.
 Install
an electric radiator cooling fan. Electric radiator cooling
fans are much more efficient than
the stock engine fan and will cool the engine much more
efficiently.
Electric radiator cooling fans are available in both
(6) and (12) volt models that mount either on the
front side
of the radiator (behind the grill) or on the engine
side, to replace the original engine fan. More information
on cooling
fans can be found on the accessory page.
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