A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

[Tom D.]

What "correct looking" base amperage alternator is recommended for a nice 1969 driver? It has the 427 390HP option.

I am posting this question for a friend, who is also in NCRS. We want the look to be more or less correct, but he (nor I) want to shell out $1000.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

What "correct looking" base amperage alternator is recommended for a nice 1969 driver? It has the 427 390HP option.

I am posting this question for a friend, who is also in NCRS. We want the look to be more or less correct, but he (nor I) want to shell out $1000.

Thanks

Tom-----


It all depends upon just how correct he wants it. If he wants exactly correct configuration except for "numbers", he's basically in the "high buck" area. The 1969 alternator configuration was, essentially, unique to the 1969 model year. Although the configuration was used for a few other GM vehicles during 1969, it was primarily used for Corvettes. The other applications are generally "Big $$$" pieces, too.

If he will accept "almost correct" configuration, then he could use a 1970 alternator. There were a few more SI-series alternators used for 1970 than for 1969 so the supply of these units is a little more plentiful. However, they're still rare and command "big $$$".

If he will accept "almost correct but not quite as correct as 1970", then some 1971 alternators will "fill the bill". Still, these are usually "Big $$$ pieces, regardless of stamped part number.

Excepting for rare part numbers, the 1972 and later configuration alternators are a "dime a dozen". About 99.5% of the people who look at a 1972 or later configuration alternator will not know the difference between it and the earlier SI alternators.

[Jeff G.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

I have that same car with the original altenator. I'm posting some pics to maybe help with the search. Also check out item number 330309210792 on Ebay for a 69 alternator.
Jeff

[Edward M.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

I think you are looking for the "6 leg" 1969 case vs the "5 leg" 1970 version vs the "3 leg" 1971 and up version. Do I have this "leg" thing right.

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

I think you are looking for the "6 leg" 1969 case vs the "5 leg" 1970 version vs the "3 leg" 1971 and up version. Do I have this "leg" thing right.

Ed-----


Pretty much. I believe the "6 leg" version carried over into 1970 and was, at some point, replaced with the "5 leg" OPEN style. The "5 leg" OPEN style definitely carried over into 1971 and was, at some point, replaced by the "5 leg", "CLOSED-style" drive end case. The "6 leg" and "5 leg" OPEN style are the rare drive end case halves; the "3 leg" CLOSED style are a "dime a dozen".

[Michael B.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Here are a couple of pictures of the expensive and elusive 1100884 61A alternator for 1969.

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

I have that same car with the original altenator. I'm posting some pics to maybe help with the search. Also check out item number 330309210792 on Ebay for a 69 alternator.
Jeff

Jeff----


The eBay alternator is a correctly configured 1969 alternator from what I can see of it. Of course, it's already up to $800 and it's probably going to require a $300-400 restoration. So, it's already about a $1200 alternator.

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Here are a couple of pictures of the expensive and elusive 1100884 61A alternator for 1969.

Michael-----


The split ring (rear) case half does not look correct to me for a 1969 alternator. It appears to me to be a 1970 split ring case half. However, if this is a VERY late unit (like, October-December, 1969), I suppose it's possible the later rear case half was used.

[Jeff G.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Joe,
Yea, that one does look like a project piece. Wait and see what it sells for first. Is it my imagination or have early original C3 parts gone through the roof? I'm looking for a couple of things myself and the prices I'm finding are scary. I curiously watched an Ebay auction this week where 8 original rear vent screws sold for $74. If my wife had any idea what this stuff cost, well you get the idea.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Joe:
If I'm not mistaken, the "3 leg" version was for '68 and earlier with external voltage regulator. The millions of '71 up alternators with internal regulators were "5 leg".
Jeff

[Jay G.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Has the drive end case half ever been reproduced? I have a 6 leg case half without any "numbers" on it but looks otherwise "correct".

Jay

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Joe:
If I'm not mistaken, the "3 leg" version was for '68 and earlier with external voltage regulator. The millions of '71 up alternators with internal regulators were "5 leg".
Jeff

Jeff-----


Yes, you're correct, the "3 leg" drive end case was used for 62-68 DN series alternators (although they will work on 69+ SI altrernators). I should have said the late 71+ alternators were 5 leg, CLOSED style. These are the ones that are easily found.

I'll edit my earlier post to correct it.

[Tom D.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Outstanding Contributions!

Thanks
/td

[Joe L.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

Has the drive end case half ever been reproduced? I have a 6 leg case half without any "numbers" on it but looks otherwise "correct".

Jay

Jay-----


I've heard that they were being reproduced, but I've never confirmed it, I've never seen one, and I've never seen one advertised.

[Jack H.]

Re: A "correct looking" alternator for 1969?

I don't know if 'reproduced' is the correct term, but service replacement front case castings WERE available at one time... This version of the case was prone to having legs/spokes crack.

You'd know if a 'replacement' front case was genuine or aftermarket by looking for a Delco Remy logo emboss...