C3 68 BB alternator

[Rich G.]

I just acquired a 68 L71 coupe that is fairly original and I have been going through it with the 68/69 TM&JG (third edition) in hand. The alternator on the car is new and according to the TM&JG, it is not correct. It is a 37 amp unit where the TM&JG (if I read it correctly) says it should be 42 amps. The car has PB/PS, Transistor ignition, no A/C, no power windows. I assume the TM&JG is correct but wondered if anyone thinks 37amps is correct for this car? Also, if it's not correct, will there be an operational problem? The previous owner had driven the car sporadically for 2-3 years like this, so I don't thonk so, but thought I'd ask.

Rich Giannotti

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

I think that 37 amps would be marginal for the car if you are running headlamps, wipers, heater, etc. Just normal daylight driving you probably would not have any problems. If you should have problems, as cheap as Delco rebuilds are, a rebuilt 61 amp would be easy

[Todd H 26112]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Is it possible the alternator could have been rebuilt and put out different amps that is associated w/ the P/N?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Rich------

Very often, if an alternator has been through a commercial rebuilder's operation (and most old ones have), the "numbers" on the case mean nothing, at all. These days, rebuilders are starting to grind off or otherwise obliterate these "numbers" in order to avoid exactly the "confusion" which may have been created in your situation.

If you have a non A/C, non TI big block, I think that the alternator will work ok even if it's still a 37 amp.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Todd Your alternator if rebuilt which if it was bought at napa or ect. probably puts out more than what is stamped on the case as its whats inside that counts. What is stamped means nothing. You need to check the output. Lyle

[Rich G.]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Thanks Joe and everyone.

Joe, this car is a TI car. I guess the real issue is if I want to get to a point where I can have the car judged, I'll have to get a correctly coded alternator anyway, so it's a qustion of when, not if. As a side note, I have a 66 L79 and it has an alternator that's too BIG. Too bad I can't swap them, but the 66 alternator isn't coded for either car. By the way, both cars run great and look great and are REALLY fun to drive. :-)

Rich Giannotti

[Todd H 26112]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Thanks Lyle but I presume you meant to direct this comment to the original thread starter rather than a respondent like me. Or do you just like me?




C3 68 BB alternator

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 68 BB alternator

Rich, you are lucky on the alternator that you will need for the car, if you decide to have it judged. they are fairly inexpensive compared to a '69 alternator, by several hundred dollars. If you are planing to have it judged, I would start hunting the alternator now. Some dates are hard to come by.