Vintage autolite voltage regulator????

[dlotz]

What/how was the autolite voltage regulator used for on the origional cobras? The black 15V C5AF-10316-A NEG box that sat on top of the passenger side foot box?

It has 4 wires into one end???

[dlotz]

Ok, so I found the diagram and run down on the ERA site.

So I take it the VR keeps 15(ish) volts going to the battery to keep it charged?

I saw a few posts that says the VR needs to be matched up with the propper Alternator. Does it matter what ALT you have (55amp or 100amp)? I don't see why it would matter.

[FWB]

the original ford alt. was externally regulated, it shouldn't matter 55 or 100 amp but it must be the old style 3 wire. i have a diagram in my photos from a ford manual. the size of the original type alternator may also cause mounting issues(clearance) not to mention ease of getting a new alt if yours craps out. i went with the smaller size one wire to keep the wiring simple and to be able to get a replacement alternator at many different places.

good luck

[dlotz]

This is my Alternator (will have the bigger race 1 groove pulley):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This is my voltage regulator:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

This is my solenoid:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Battery will be an optima red top in the trunk.
Using an MSD 6AL
1970 ford truck dizzy


Good match?

[767Jockey]

DLotz,
That's the regulator that I bought. It's the old mechanical type, not nearly as reliable as a modern (relatively) solid state unit. I went to the local auto parts store, bought a modern solid state regulator, drilled out the cover rivets and took the cover off of this one that you bought and screwed it onto the newer solid state regulator. It looks identical but should work much better.

[dlotz]

767jockey

Do you have a make/part number on the newer solid state VR you used?

Are all the hook ups the same?

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by dlotz

767jockey

Do you have a make/part number on the newer solid state VR you used?

Are all the hook ups the same?

Sorry, I don't have the part number. Just get a modern regulator for an very early Mustang, they're all fairly similar and the hookups are the same. Just check with the parts guy that it's a solid state unit and not an old points type mechanical unit. It'll work a whole lot better than a mechanical unit. I'm sure if you poke around for two minutes on line you'll find a truckload of them.

[DanEC]

ERA carries a modern electronic version, mounted in a old style type housing to look original - or at least that is how Peter described it to me. Mine is still with the car which hasn't been shipped yet. You might try them - the cost was very reasonable.

Dan

[428street]

I did exactly what was mentioned above with Doug at ERA. Took the correct cover and drilled it out (the rivets) then I bought an "newer" internal from ERA, installed new rivets and bang it works fine. I had the original 60's style in there before and it worked but the red ignition light would come on at low engine revs.....

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 428street

I did exactly what was mentioned above with Doug at ERA. Took the correct cover and drilled it out (the rivets) then I bought an "newer" internal from ERA, installed new rivets and bang it works fine. I had the original 60's style in there before and it worked but the red ignition light would come on at low engine revs.....

Do you have your regulator in the "stock" era spot on the driver's foot box? Or is it moved? It's awfully hard to see tucked up under there.

[428street]

It's in the stock ERA spot. I spoke to Peter and Doug at length about swapping the wiper motor and the VR (as it should be if you want the original setup) but it never went anywhere. If I remember it is doable but a lot of work. I have an original wiper motor as well but can't use it for now...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 428street

It's in the stock ERA spot. I spoke to Peter and Doug at length about swapping the wiper motor and the VR (as it should be if you want the original setup) but it never went anywhere. If I remember it is doable but a lot of work. I have an original wiper motor as well but can't use it for now...

Oh that's right. I remember that now. Yes, flipping the motor around is a huge PITA.

[dlotz]

Ok, so where can I get this modern electronic version??? Part number/make would be helpfull!

Thanks

Dan

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dlotz

Ok, so where can I get this modern electronic version??? Part number/make would be helpfull!

http://store.alternatorparts.com/partno352001.aspx

[dlotz]

Originally Posted by FWB

the original ford alt. was externally regulated, it shouldn't matter 55 or 100 amp but it must be the old style 3 wire. i have a diagram in my photos from a ford manual. the size of the original type alternator may also cause mounting issues(clearance) not to mention ease of getting a new alt if yours craps out. i went with the smaller size one wire to keep the wiring simple and to be able to get a replacement alternator at many different places.

good luck

Can anyone else confirm?? Does it matter what amp the alternator is or do the two (VR and ALT) need to be matched? I have received conflicting info. I have a 100 amp ALT and what appears to be the VR that was used for the 55amp alternators.

Anyone?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dlotz

Does it matter what amp the alternator is or do the two (VR and ALT) need to be matched? I have received conflicting info. I have a 100 amp ALT and what appears to be the VR that was used for the 55amp alternators.

Yes, it matters. Voltage Regulators are limited by current just like any other electronic component is. That VR that I posted the pic on is solid state and will handle the 100amp Ford 1G Large Case alternator. There are Ford Voltage Regulators that are rated at a lower amp value than that, and maybe you have one -- I don't know. You can also buy a voltage regulator that will handle 200 amps, for about $25 bucks more. If you don't know the amp rating of your existing VR, I'd spring for the $26 piece that you know is rated for 100amps.

[patrickt]

Here's a page that shows you a sampling of Ford Voltage Regulators and their different amp ratings. You probably don't want any of them for your Cobra though because, even though they'll fit, they won't look right and some even have "Motorcraft" splashed across the top.

http://www.mustangdepot.com/OnLineCa...regulators.htm

[428street]

This is what I learned on most stuff Cobra - buy it from ERA (for me). Honestly I don't have the box it came in but if you call ERA I am sure they can sell you one.

[patrickt]

Dlotz -- do you have (or are you building) an ERA car?

[1985 CCX]

Great information guys....