Alternator conversion.

[oddbal]

I am going to get an alternator for the super minx as the halogen lights are just draining the battery. Has anyone done an alternator conversion? If so what car did you take the alternator from??

Thanks

[rhythmrider]

I did an alternator conversion on my '62 and it worked out well.
The hardest part was fabricating the mount and tensioner.

I can add a picture if you like.

I am in the USA, so I ended up using the worlds most common alternator in the US
The AC/Delco 12si.

I used an alternator mount from an old Sunbeam Alpine and mounted it using the top set of mounting holes and hanging it down instead of the holes in the block that the dynamo was on.
I did have to have a friend with a welding shop do some work on the mount to add some length to it.

The wiring was really easy even though I went with the three wire version.
Big wire direct to the battery (since this alternator has an internal regulator)
The sensing wire can go to the battery as well and the last wire goes to your "idiot light" and/or volt meter.
(you will need to find and disconnect this lead from your old regulator)

But if you want to go a simpler route, I would expect an alternator and mount from a Sunbeam alpine would be almost a bolt in replacement. (Not something I can get here in USA.)
What about a Hillman Hunter maybe?

Good luck,
Dana

P.S. another option if you want to maintain that "vintage" look those alternators that they now sell that are in the shape of a dynamo. They are not cheap though.
This would bolt right in and you would only need to do the wiring.

Here is a used one of unknown operation.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171191563302#ht_82wt_1400

or new
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121068710312#ht_2741wt_1400

[nzchevy]

These people also list an 'alternator within a dynamo' but it is much cheaper than many others out there.

http://www.bbclassics.co.uk/electrical-accessories.html

Roger