Hello all,

A long time ago, I converted the Y-Block in my 56 sunliner to a 1-wire alternator.  That alternator just pooped out, and I want to install a powermaster alternator that looks like a generator.

After searching on line for a few hours and going through my parts books however, I have a few questions.  Im hoping for some quick answers, please, as I would like to order the parts monday or tuesday to be able to install this weekend.

• What are the differences between generators for Thunderbirds and passenger cars?  Is it just amps?  Are they the same dimensionally?  Im asking because powermaster has different several listings for ford swing mount and Thunderbird applications, and they all list the same output, but some have different pulley widths.  Ill contact them tomorrow, but didnt know if there is any real difference in size?  I know I need a 1/2" pulley, but are they otherwise the same?

• I dont have the mounting brackets from the generator anymore, so I have to find replacements.  Are the 3 mounting bracket parts the same between passenger cars and thunderbirds?  I know there is a waterpump/fan spacer for thunderbirds, but is the rest of the mounting bracketry the same?  One parts catalog has parts for the T-Bird, but doesnt show them applying to passenger cars, but they have missed cross reference parts before.  The parts books I have list the parts as 10151A, 10156A, and 10145 for each of the 3 parts, but dont show different part numbers for the t-bird vs passenger car.

• Im assuming 1/2" wide belts are correct?  The car has always had them, even before we restored it, so Im assuming its correct?

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Passenger car and T-bird generators do not mount the same, 

Argh... I was afraid of that.  Any idea about the pickup truck mounting, and if its the same?

Is it just the brackets that are different, or is the generator itself different on the T-Bird?

Looks like I need to find some used brackets asap...

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Truck and the other car brackets are the same, very common and easy to find.  Post a wanted ad in classifieds and you'll probably find them in no time.

I don't know about differences in the generators but if they list one specifically for your application, then you should be ok to order that.  A 1/2" belt is correct for some Y-Blocks.  I don't know if it is a year cut off or some other determination.  An easy way to tell if the appropriate belt is being used is to see how it fits in the pulley groove.  The belt should be approximately flush with the od of the pulley.  If it is significantly recessed or protruding, then it is probably an incorrect combination.  My thought is that it will be ok to use a 3/8' belt in a 1/2" pulley as long as it does not bottom out in the groove but maybe that is an incorrect assumption.


Lawrenceville, GA

Great, thanks for the info.  Very helpful.
I just found a bracket set on ebay for a reasonable price.  It was listed as just a Y-block, but knowing that all the bracketed ones are interchangeable helped very much.

Im assuming Ill stick with the 1/2" belts; the belts I have now sit flush and seat properly in all the pulleys, so Ill stick with that.

Thanks again!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Belts changed in early 1956 , went from 1/2 inch to 3/8 , generators for t-bird and car are the same. 

One difference in the generators between a sedan and the TBird is the front pulley.  The TBird pulley is much shallower than the sedan (doesn't stick out as far).


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The rear end plate on the Bird generator is different. The studs for the wires are in different locations than the passenger car.

Thanks everyone.  One last question; what size is the bolt that connects the lower adjustment arm to the timing chain cover?  Any help would be appreciated, as Im making the list to go into town to the hardware store.

Thanks!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

I believe that the bolt is 3/8 coarse thread, about 1 inch long.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ