Anything special about the alternator?

[White75]

I pulled the alternato out of the 78 vette to see if it was bad and Advanced auto checked it and it is not generating enough volts. I was thinking that it was the original alternator as I didn't see any paperwork of replacement and it was fairly dingy. Funny thing is that one of the nuts on the back of the one from the 78 is in metric (10mm). That makes me believe it's not as original as I thought
I'm having a difficult time finding a rebuild kit for it as most of the places I've looked sell them already rebuilt.
I want to know if I'd be better off just getting a rebuilt Delco-Remy from Advanced Auto?
If there is a DIY rebuild kit, does anyone have a trusty supplier?
Are there any serial numbers or markings that can tell me if the alternator is original to the 78?

Thanks!

 

[gmjunkie]

I pulled the alternato out of the 78 vette to see if it was bad and Advanced auto checked it and it is not generating enough volts. I was thinking that it was the original alternator as I didn't see any paperwork of replacement and it was fairly dingy. Funny thing is that one of the nuts on the back of the one from the 78 is in metric (10mm). That makes me believe it's not as original as I thought
I'm having a difficult time finding a rebuild kit for it as most of the places I've looked sell them already rebuilt.
I want to know if I'd be better off just getting a rebuilt Delco-Remy from Advanced Auto?
If there is a DIY rebuild kit, does anyone have a trusty supplier?
Are there any serial numbers or markings that can tell me if the alternator is original to the 78?

Thanks!

Allot of the bolts and nuts on 78's are metric!~!!

In Florida,Discount Auto Parts sells Starter and Alternator Rebuild Kits manufactured by "Blue Chip"! I googled Blue Chip and didn't find Blue Chip but found some kits on Ebay that are basically the same thing!~!!

10SI 12SI DELCO ALTERNATOR REBUILD KIT 12 VOLT CHEVY on eBay! This one should work for you,unless your brush holder is damaged!~!!

alternator rebuild kit | eBay=

I usally buy 5-6 kits when I'm down there,But I'm out of them right now or I'd send you one!~!!

 

[6880 Mike]

#1102484 for the 42 amp alternator; #1102908 for the 63 amp.
If your existing alternator is original and 40+ years old, it's time to replace it anyway.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I rebuilt my original alternator last year using a kit similar to the one Junkie showed, might be the same vendor in fact. Very simple job and actually qualified as being fun.

Here's a helpful website

How to rebuild a 10 SI | Alternator Rebuild Kits

 

[lars]

In most cases, a non-working high-mileage alternator will just need a set of brushes, a regulator, and the front & rear bearings. These parts are all available from your local NAPA store. You can e-mail me for my alternator paper for some easy instructions:
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars

 

[White75]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try and rebuild it. Figured it would be good for originality (if at least in my mind) and fun and probably cheaper than buying a rebuild or new one. I might actually be able to do that on the kitchen table and Mrs. White75 not get too mad at me.

I haven't found any metric on the 78 yet. I'll have to remember that when I run into a nut that seems to have a bit of play on the wrench, I haven't found a metric yet on the 75 and was figuring the 78 was the same.

 

[White75]

got a kit ordered from that ebay link. Let's see if I can do it

 

[SVO]

As I remember it, 1976-1977 models is when GM started going metric with it's fasteners.

 

[White75]

I got the kit in today and just finished rebuilding the alternator. Got it opened up and found a broken brush, cracked off where the little hole is. I ended up replacing the brushes, the 3 prong diode thing and the regulator. the bearings were in good condition and rolled freely so I didn't replace them and they'll go in my parts box in the event I do need them but the alternator spins freely with no grinding or squealing so I'm happy. The alternator was the original one, the regulator and diode have the GM logo. I may even keep them just for the hell of it ( don't tell my wife though )

Thanks for all you guys here, I used the info from all your posts and papers in this rebuild.

Now I just need to get a new Alternator belt ( probably going to replace them all at the same time ) and recharge the battery and she'll be back on the road, just in time for the sub 95 degree weather of the Texas autumn.