C-3 Alternator

[Martin N.]

Would "3 G 31" - 1100544 alternator work for judging purposes on a April built 1974 conv,350, A/C? I know that the alt. is from a 1973, but did Chevy ever "carry-over' parts into the next year. This guy swears this alternator is original to the car. THANKS....Marty

[Jack H.]

Re: C-3 Alternator

The 6-month rule for typical factory production makes the July '73 built alternator 'good' for '74 built cars up to January of 1974. It's beyond the inteval for an April '74 built car but could be possible.

Unfortunately, when cars deviate from 'typical' factory production norms, the burden of proof falls on the owner... Now, the A/C version of the alternator (a '544 in your case) was a Corvette only part and they're HARD to find!

If I were you, I wouldn't change a thing. I'd get an affidavit from the original owner to the effect he never replaced the alternator and be prepared to submit that as 'proof'. Also, ready yourself for the 'proof' to be rejected and the car to take a minor scoring deduction based on the alternator's date being outside the 6-month window.

All you can do is give it a good old college try and see what happens. The '544 on my '71 is a year too late for the car and I routinely accept the date deduction. Yes, my car 'lost' its original alternator and what's there is one I stumbled across at a swap meet.

But, compared to the BEND OVER prices that are often paid for these low volume alternators, I'm happy with the couple of points the judges deduct vs. the out-of-pocket $$$ to make things 'right'...