[ceslaw]

Generator, April 11, 2012

CSX2196 had a generator, not an alternator. Powermaster makes an alternator that looks like a generator and is an exact physical replacement for the original Ford generator. Part number 82101. It is a single wire 75 amp alternator which will be adequate for our Cobra. The one downside is that it has a small alternator pulley and fan rather than the large diameter pulley used on the original generator. We considered those details a small sacrifice in exchange for the benefits of an alternator.

Of course one also needs the mounting bracket. Original brackets come up for sale on E Bay from time to time often for less than $50. We picked up a couple for a decent price. Look for Ford part number C20E-10088-H embossed on the bracket.

The brackets arrived unrestored with a good coat of rust and greasy grime. There are different techniques for preparing parts for paint. Since we don’t have a bead blaster, we do it the old fashioned way with chemicals and elbow grease. Rural King was the place to pick up the Evapo Rust Remover and Simple Green. The brackets were soaked in each for about a week. They did an excellent job removing the rust and grime. After rubbing down the bracket with a 3M Scothbrite pad, mineral spirits were used to remove any residual chemicals in preparation for paint. Some of the rough edges were smoothed with a grinder and file.

A yellow top ignition coil was mounted on the original bracket on CSX2129, so a hole was drilled before painting to secure the coil bracket.

Duplicolor engine paint is readily available and holds up well. A coat of Low Gloss black resulted in a sheen that closely matched the generator housing. After applying the paint we baked the bracket in the oven for thirty minutes at 200 degrees.

Now if we only had an engine . . . and a Cobra put it in.