I go for the readily available stuff. I rebuild my own and it's easier to
find the parts I need for the GM unit.
Thanks,
Paul Mostrom
'77 Spitfire 1500
> '80 Ford F-100 (Triumph Support Vehicle)
>
>
'Black holes, where God divided by zero......'
-----Original Message-----
From: DANMAS@aol.com [mailto:DANMAS@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 12:00 PM
To: spitlist@gte.net; njaremka@yahoo.com
Cc: Spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: alternator p/n
In a message dated 6/22/99 12:03:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
spitlist@gte.net writes:
> I started out to do that GM conversion, but after examining the mounting
> modifications I saw were necessary, I bought a Lucas alternator from a
> chain parts store that offers a Lifetime warranty. The thing hasn't
> hiccupped yet, but I know that when it does I will be able to replace it
> free of charge. I think the thing cost me about $90.00.
Joe's letter brings up a good point. There are good reasons for swapping to
a GM unit -- higher output, low cost, and ready availabilty -- but
reliability isn't one of them. The Lucas alternators are just as reliable as
any, particularly when you are talking about rebuilt units. With rebuilt
units, reliability is more a function of the rebuilder than the original
manufacturer.
Althoug Lucas is the subject of much joking, Lucas electrical stuff is just
as reliable as any make. GM, Chrysler, Ford -- they all have their share of
junk, but for the most part, electrical problems result from age and neglect
more than original quality.
About the only Lucas components I have any problems with are the rocker
switches. There is good news and bad news about these. The bad news is, they
are not sealed, so the contacts are exposed to the elements and suffer a high
rate of corrosion. The good news is, they are not sealed, so you can easily
take them apart to clean, and have an "as new" switch.
Dan Masters,
Alcoa, TN
'71 TR6---------3000mile/year driver, fully restored
'71 TR6---------undergoing full restoration and Ford 5.0 V8 insertion - see:
http://members.aol.com/danmas/
'74 MGBGT---3000mile/year driver, original condition - slated for a V8 soon
'68 MGBGT---organ donor for the '74
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