generator to alternator conversion

Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.

I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.

-When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
know i need to replace the pushrod.

-Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.

-How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
online about doing it this way.

Thanks for your help everyone!

wrote:
> Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
> the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
>
> I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
> to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
> oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
> I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
> am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
>
> -When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
> matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
> aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
> the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
> the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
> any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
> know i need to replace the pushrod.
>
> -Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
>
> -How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
> setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
> new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
> on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
> like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
> online about doing it this way.
>
> Thanks for your help everyone!


You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.

The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
on the alternator.

Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
with 12V bulbs.

See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.

Speedy Jim
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/

In article >,
Speedy Jim > wrote:

> wrote:
> > Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
> > the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
> >
> > I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
> > to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
> > oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
> > I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
> > am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
> >
> > -When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
> > matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
> > aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
> > the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
> > the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
> > any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
> > know i need to replace the pushrod.
> >
> > -Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
> >
> > -How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
> > setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
> > new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
> > on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
> > like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
> > online about doing it this way.
> >
> > Thanks for your help everyone!
>
>
> You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
> with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.
>
> The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
> heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
> post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
> which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
> on the alternator.
>
> Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
> with 12V bulbs.
>
> See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
> There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.
>
> Speedy Jim
> http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/

I've heard you can change the gear on the 12 v. starter motor to a
larger "6 volt" gear. true?
Happy Holidaze Speedy Jim.
thanks for all the help in the past.
g.

--
when you believe the only tool you have is a hammer.
All problems look like nails.

A Veteran wrote:

> In article >,
> Speedy Jim > wrote:
>
>
wrote:
>>
>>>Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
>>>the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
>>>
>>>I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
>>>to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
>>>oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
>>>I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
>>>am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
>>>
>>>-When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
>>>matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
>>>aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
>>>the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
>>>the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
>>>any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
>>>know i need to replace the pushrod.
>>>
>>>-Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
>>>
>>>-How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
>>>setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
>>>new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
>>>on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
>>>like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
>>>online about doing it this way.
>>>
>>>Thanks for your help everyone!
>>
>>
>> You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
>>with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.
>>
>> The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
>>heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
>>post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
>>which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
>>on the alternator.
>>
>> Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
>>with 12V bulbs.
>>
>> See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
>>There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.
>>
>>Speedy Jim
>>http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/
>
>
> I've heard you can change the gear on the 12 v. starter motor to a
> larger "6 volt" gear. true?
> Happy Holidaze Speedy Jim.
> thanks for all the help in the past.
> g.
>

It's possible, but I don't know where you
can get the parts...

Jim

Fuel pumps for the alternator take the shorter pushrod IIRC.

I have done several conversions to 12V and have seen a few issues only on
some.
One Beetle I had to change the ign switch since it started smoking after
receiving the 12V through it.
The most difficult thing, after the gen or alt install, is the wiper motor.

Also I needed the top of a 30PICT-1 to fit over the 28PICT carb.

The starter I can leave untouched and wiper motor if you want turbo speed!
lol

A one day job and you have 12volts. <g>

"Speedy Jim" > wrote in message
et...
> wrote:
>> Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
>> the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
>>
>> I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
>> to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
>> oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
>> I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
>> am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
>>
>> -When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
>> matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
>> aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
>> the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
>> the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
>> any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
>> know i need to replace the pushrod.
>>
>> -Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
>>
>> -How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
>> setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
>> new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
>> on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
>> like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
>> online about doing it this way.
>>
>> Thanks for your help everyone!
>
>
> You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
> with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.
>
> The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
> heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
> post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
> which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
> on the alternator.
>
> Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
> with 12V bulbs.
>
> See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
> There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.
>
> Speedy Jim
> http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/
>

dave AKA vwdoc1 wrote:

> The starter I can leave untouched and wiper motor if you want turbo speed!
> lol

Bug Pack makes a 6 volt variable speed power reducer for 6 volt wiper
motors with 12v conversion. I have one on my 66 and the variable speed
wipers are nice and the next best thing to intermittent wipers.

Tony

I can't recall having that problem with the 1963 Beetle that I converted
over. I think I used the alternator on that one too.
I forget more and more lately! <g>
Maybe I used a generator.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kirk" <kwalker et ac doht neyt>

> Regarding the carburator, on my car I needed a spacer plate under the
> carb. It adds about 1/4 of an inch to the height of the intake. The carb
> barely clears the alternator.
> (40 hp stock engine, Pict H30/31)
> KWW
>
> "dave AKA vwdoc1" > wrote

>> Fuel pumps for the alternator take the shorter pushrod IIRC.
>>
>> I have done several conversions to 12V and have seen a few issues only on
>> some.
>> One Beetle I had to change the ign switch since it started smoking after
>> receiving the 12V through it.
>> The most difficult thing, after the gen or alt install, is the wiper
>> motor.
>>
>> Also I needed the top of a 30PICT-1 to fit over the 28PICT carb.
>>
>> The starter I can leave untouched and wiper motor if you want turbo
>> speed! lol
>>
>> A one day job and you have 12volts. <g>
>>
>> "Speedy Jim" > wrote in message
>> et...
>>> wrote:
>>>> Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
>>>> the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
>>>>
>>>> I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
>>>> to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
>>>> oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
>>>> I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
>>>> am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
>>>>
>>>> -When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
>>>> matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
>>>> aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
>>>> the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
>>>> the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
>>>> any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
>>>> know i need to replace the pushrod.
>>>>
>>>> -Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
>>>>
>>>> -How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
>>>> setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
>>>> new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
>>>> on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
>>>> like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
>>>> online about doing it this way.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for your help everyone!
>>>
>>>
>>> You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
>>> with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.
>>>
>>> The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
>>> heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
>>> post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
>>> which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
>>> on the alternator.
>>>
>>> Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
>>> with 12V bulbs.
>>>
>>> See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
>>> There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.
>>>
>>> Speedy Jim
>>> http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

The 6 volt starter gear has a larger shaft diameter than the 12 volt
starter. I think it would be possible to convert a 12 volt starter to a 6
volt ring gear but you would have to put a sleeve bushing in the 6 volt
starter gear to match the 12 volt starter shaft. You would have to put a
6/12 volt reducer bushing in the transmission housing too. I tried putting
a 12 volt solenoid on a 6 volt starter. It did not work because the throw
on the 6 volt starter is longer and the 12 volt solenoid would not make up
the contacts when put on a 6 volt starter. If anyone has made these
conversions I would like to know how they got it done successfully. I ended
up just using the 6 volt starter on 12 volts. It really kicks the engine
over.
Dave P

"Speedy Jim" > wrote in message
. ..
>A Veteran wrote:
>
>> In article >,
>> Speedy Jim > wrote:
>>
>>
wrote:
>>>
>>>>Well I can see that there have been a number of posts about this over
>>>>the years, but none of the other ones really answer my questions.
>>>>
>>>>I have a 1965 VW Type 1 (1200cc engine) and I am upgrading it from 6v
>>>>to 12v, replacing all the normal things (generator with alternator,
>>>>oil stand, coil, flasher relay, etc) plus the entire wiring harness.
>>>>I've been plagued with electrical problems over the last 6 years and I
>>>>am tried of it. I have a few questions about how to do this.
>>>>
>>>>-When I replace my fuel pump with the "alternator style" pump, does it
>>>>matter what year? Like is it okay if it is a 1600cc 1973 pump? There
>>>>aren't any 1965 alternator pumps for sale, obviously, but I wonder if
>>>>the bigger engine size for which those pumps were designed matters to
>>>>the amount of fuel that gets pumped into the carb. Can I basically use
>>>>any pump that will screw into it and leave room for the alternator? I
>>>>know i need to replace the pushrod.
>>>>
>>>>-Do I need to replace the distributor? It doesn't seem like it.
>>>>
>>>>-How do i re-wire my car for an alternator? I know that the wiring
>>>>setup for the engine compartment, even when i replace it with a brand
>>>>new one, will be configured for a generator. The regulator is mounted
>>>>on top of the generator in my current setup, not under the back seat
>>>>like it was in later models, and as a result I can't find any info
>>>>online about doing it this way.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for your help everyone!
>>>
>>>
>>> You only have to replace the pump if it actually interferes
>>>with the carb; yours may not. Yes, you can use any pump.
>>>
>>> The wiring is easier on your car. Simply connect both
>>>heavy Red wires which were on the regulator to the big B+
>>>post on the alternator. Then connect the skinny Blu wire
>>>which was on Term #61 of the regulator to the D+ spade terminal
>>>on the alternator.
>>>
>>> Don't forget to replace the speedo bulbs (and all others)
>>>with 12V bulbs.
>>>
>>> See the 6V/12V Conversion article on my web site.
>>>There is also basic alternator info in the Electrical section.
>>>
>>>Speedy Jim
>>>http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/
>>
>>
>> I've heard you can change the gear on the 12 v. starter motor to a
>> larger "6 volt" gear. true?
>> Happy Holidaze Speedy Jim.
>> thanks for all the help in the past.
>> g.
>>
>
> It's possible, but I don't know where you
> can get the parts...
>
> Jim

There is a guy on Samba that rebuilds wiper motors and can still put the 12
volt armature in the 6 volt wiper motor. It is pricey but looks stock
without extra pieces.
Dave P

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=250213

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=544766

"Anthony W" > wrote in message
news:74Uaj.103$OH6.75@trndny03...
> dave AKA vwdoc1 wrote:
>
>> The starter I can leave untouched and wiper motor if you want turbo
>> speed! lol
>
> Bug Pack makes a 6 volt variable speed power reducer for 6 volt wiper
> motors with 12v conversion. I have one on my 66 and the variable speed
> wipers are nice and the next best thing to intermittent wipers.
>
> Tony

"Bugger" > wrote:

> I ended up just using the 6 volt starter on 12 volts. It really kicks the engine
> over.

IMHO the only rational way to do it. Not The Right Way(TM), but 6V starter
is very durable motor and will last many years if not overheated.

I've a -63 KG and it was (by PPO) converted to 12 volts in 1992, I changed
the engine last summer and as the new engine had 12V flywheel, I had to
change the starter too. Easier to replace than flywheel with re-balancing
everything etc..

So 14 years of regular usage (in summer, Jan surely has told about Finnish
weather...) and nothing wrong so far, so I'd say it will last as long as any
12V starter if not overheated.

Tuomas
--
(Tuomas Hosia) DoD#1684 \ On paljon hauskempi olla pakanana,
Lappeenranta University of Technology \ ei tarvitse koskaan olla vakavana.
Kotisivu: http://www.lut.fi/~hosia/ \ -o Eppu Normaali o-