Generator to Alternator Conversion Wiring Question

Hi!
I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
It origially had a generator.
I converted to an alternator.

Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
Battery so the current can flow through better?

On Sep 13, 5:39�pm, wrote:
> Hi!
> I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
> It origially had a generator.
> I converted to an alternator.
>
> Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
> Battery so the current can flow through better?

your 73 should have had a altinator origanally so I'm sure your wires
are fine.

I converted my 64 to altinator and the original 64 wiring hands it
fine.

Hope this helps

wrote:
> On Sep 13, 5:39�pm, wrote:
>
>>Hi!
>>I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
>>It origially had a generator.
>>I converted to an alternator.
>>
>>Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
>>Battery so the current can flow through better?
>
>
> your 73 should have had a altinator origanally so I'm sure your wires
> are fine.
>
> I converted my 64 to altinator and the original 64 wiring hands it
> fine.
>
> Hope this helps


Only late '73 had alternator. Approx VIN 1132414931

But you're right; the same wire size (6.0mm²) was used
with either Gen or Alt, so it should be fine.

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

>
> > Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
> > Battery so the current can flow through better?
>
> your 73 should have had a altinator origanally so I'm sure your wires
> are fine.
>
> I converted my 64 to altinator and the original 64 wiring hands it
> fine.
>
> Hope this helps

Well , it did but i installed an alternator conversion kit when i got
it.
A few years ago I installed a wiring harness for a model that had a
generator.
So, i think a larger 'D' wire from the alt to battery might help
recharge it faster.

On Sep 13, 4:39*pm, wrote:
> Hi!
> I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
> It origially had a generator.
> I converted to an alternator.
>
> Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
> Battery so the current can flow through better?

Hello!
I found this at this link:
http://www.vw-resource.com/alternator_generator.html

I thought it might be useful.
Jim347a

Here are a few quotes from that link:

Question - In the case of a failing generator, would it be wise to
convert to an alternator instead of having the generator repaired?

Rob responded - You can do that if you want to, but it requires a
little alteration to the car's wiring. Speedy Jim has the necessary
changes to the circuits on his web site.
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/schem/gen_alt.htm

Question - Does a few Amperes make a difference?

Rob responded - The higher amperage of the alternators makes no
difference at all if you have stock VW electrics -- it's only useful
if you have spot lights, a big stereo and stuff like that added.

Question - The alternator that by Beetle has is rated at 45 amperes,
for Toyota cars. There's one available, specifically made for the
Beetle, rated at 51 amperes. Physically, the 51 amp alternator looks
about a third bigger and much heavier than the 45 amp alternator.
Maybe it gives more power? Will it put less strain on the battery?

Rob responded - The beetle's wiring will handle the VW 50-amp
alternator OK, but if you use a higher power alternator than that ('75
VW alternators are available) then you might need to increase the wire
size for the charging circuit to the battery.

A bigger size alternator won't reduce the load on the battery. It's
main load comes from using the starter motor, and that won't change. A
bigger alternator will recharge a flat battery faster of course, but
the 30 amp generator does work just fine for most old VWs. The 50-amp
alternator was added in 1973 when they added fresh air fans and other
extra electrical items to the cars.

* * * * *

On Sep 13, 5:47*pm, Speedy Jim > wrote:
> wrote:
> > On Sep 13, 5:39 pm, wrote:
>
> >>Hi!
> >>I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
> >>It origially had a generator.
> >>I converted to an alternator.
>
> >>Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
> >>Battery so the current can flow through better?
>
> > your 73 should have had a altinator origanally so I'm sure your wires
> > are fine.
>
> > I converted my 64 to altinator and the original 64 wiring hands it
> > fine.
>
> > Hope this helps
>
> * *Only late '73 had alternator. *Approx VIN 1132414931
>
> * *But you're right; the same wire size (6.0mm²) was used
> * *with either Gen or Alt, so it should be fine.
>
> Speedy Jimhttp://www.nls.net/mp/volks/- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I agree with you.
But, would it still be OK to put 1 size smaller gauge/larger wire from
the alternator to the battery? Would it hurt anything to try?
Why do the say to add a larger wire for a 75A alternator?

> wrote in message
...


>Why do the say to add a larger wire for a 75A alternator?

because the factory car never had more than a 55 amp alternator... when
"upgrading" to a 75 you need the larger wire to carry the higher current.

> wrote in message
...
> Hi!
> I have a '73 (non super) Beetle.
> It origially had a generator.
> I converted to an alternator.
>
> Do I need to use a larger diameter wire from the Alternator to the
> Battery so the current can flow through better?

I swapped the engine, starter, and alternator from a '75 into a '64 (6V
generator) without doing any rewiring. I had, however, already installed
the "in the back" relay for the starter. I don't know that it would have
mattered or not.

- Bill