Correct Alternator for '68 Dart GTS
I'm going cross-eyed reading articles on the charging system for my car. '68 Dart, 340, w/PS, w/Factory AC. There are a lot of good articles on the board, but I don't have the time or patience to read all the back-and-forth about what alternator does what, and what the negative results might be if I use the wrong one. Ultimately, these discussions get around to arguing and explaining the design theory of alternators/wire size/etc., etc.
Background: I bought a PS car (without the pump), an AC car (without the compressor), and with an alternator that looked like it could have been strapped in place on the engine with a million flat washers, random odd-sized bolts and 3 rolls of duct tape. That's what I'm working with.
I've about gotten the PS pump worked out, but I'm still stumped with the alternator. The car had what appears to be the correct alternator brackets, but that's the last original part on that side of the car. The alternator was a square-back of unknown vintage or origin. I think the '68 models used round-back; I don't even know if round-back is still and option or if it's an option that I'd want to pursue. I don't give a flip about HOW an alternator works; I just want one that DOES work without having to patch and piece together a menajerie of washers/spacers other than what Mopar designed it to have.
I bought a rebuilt alternator from O'Reilly (sadly) that won't even fit the brackets. I am convinced from reviewing articles on FABO that the brackets I have or correct. The O'Reilly alternator is not. I bought a bolt set from Mancini that seems to be correct if I had the correct alternator.
Here are the photos of where I stand. I will post on the "parts wanted" thread for THE alternator for my application. In the meantime, if someone can offer some simple practical advice as to how to get this system up to reasonable standard, I'd be much appreciative.
I'm going cross-eyed reading articles on the charging system for my car. '68 Dart, 340, w/PS, w/Factory AC. There are a lot of good articles on the board, but I don't have the time or patience to read all the back-and-forth about what alternator does what, and what the negative results might be if I use the wrong one. Ultimately, these discussions get around to arguing and explaining the design theory of alternators/wire size/etc., etc.
Background: I bought a PS car (without the pump), an AC car (without the compressor), and with an alternator that looked like it could have been strapped in place on the engine with a million flat washers, random odd-sized bolts and 3 rolls of duct tape. That's what I'm working with.
I've about gotten the PS pump worked out, but I'm still stumped with the alternator. The car had what appears to be the correct alternator brackets, but that's the last original part on that side of the car. The alternator was a square-back of unknown vintage or origin. I think the '68 models used round-back; I don't even know if round-back is still and option or if it's an option that I'd want to pursue. I don't give a flip about HOW an alternator works; I just want one that DOES work without having to patch and piece together a menajerie of washers/spacers other than what Mopar designed it to have.
I bought a rebuilt alternator from O'Reilly (sadly) that won't even fit the brackets. I am convinced from reviewing articles on FABO that the brackets I have or correct. The O'Reilly alternator is not. I bought a bolt set from Mancini that seems to be correct if I had the correct alternator.
Here are the photos of where I stand. I will post on the "parts wanted" thread for THE alternator for my application. In the meantime, if someone can offer some simple practical advice as to how to get this system up to reasonable standard, I'd be much appreciative.