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    Replacing a Vintage Charging System

    Posted by BobE on 9/7/2009, 9:33 pm
    68.199.75.196

    There have been a few questions recently regarding electrical systems on vintage Mustangs and I thought I’d offer the following website that may be of help to the readers.
    http://www.madelectrical.com/
    I am a 59 year-old electrical engineer many years experience troubleshooting electrical control and protection circuits. I’d also like to offer the following … the ammeter used in vintage Mustangs is of little value in indicating the “health” of the charging system. The measurement that it is monitoring is not the total output of the alternator. As such, it is difficult to ascertain when, or if there is any system trouble.
    For my 65 V8 Mustang (w/a 5-gauge cluster from a 66 Mustang), I replaced the original system with a rebuilt 3-wire 10-SI Delco alternator, and indicating light, as described in the referenced website. The rebuilding shop I bought it from measured the output at over 70 amps … more than enough for most cars. I left the ammeter in place, but disconnected.
    The electronic internal regulators are highly reliable (compared to the old electro-mechanical regulators of the sixties), when they do fail the light will go on and there will be no question that it is time for replacement. The addition of a voltmeter can be of value, but one must remember that you’re looking for a 1 to 1.5 volt change (12.6v to 14v) to indicate whether the system is functioning. This difference is not easy to recognize, especially while driving.
    For my money, unless you have a reason to maintain the vintage charging system, replace it with a more reliable system. The referenced website will provide the how-to.

    Message Thread:

    • Replacing a Vintage Charging System - BobE 9/7/2009, 9:33 pm

       
    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this FORD MUSTANG FORUM, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.