Ugrade Altenator for 1970?

[70spider]

Hello again,
I got my tailights finally figure out, repositioned the grounds and everything works. Now I would like to upgrade my altenator (42amp), I was thinking a 65amp unit from an '81 would be good. Has anyone done this upgrade? Will the '81 be a direct fit for the '70?

Thanks for looking. Pesto

[So Cal Mark]

you're better off using one of the 95amp alternators that both Csaba and I sell

[baltobernie]

The 42A alternator has an external voltage regulator. The 65A Bosch has an integrated regulator. It's a simple swap with a quick mod to the wiring. Unless you have a big stereo, heated seats or several high-power auxiliary lamps, the 65A (almost 900 watts) is adequate for Spiders with otherwise good electrics. I have headlamp bulbs that draw 33% more current than standard, yet even at a 500 RPM idle, the 65A alternator powers them at full brightness. Yes, if you also have the fan on Hi and the wipers on as well, the draw is noticeable at idle, but how often do you experience these conditions? A commuter Spider in Seattle would certainly benefit from more juice, but for the rest of us ...

[aj81spider]

Power-wise Bernie is right. You'll probably fine with the 65 (although I'm of the school that more power is always better). A more compelling consideration may be that an alternator off an 81 is 32 years old and the 95 amp is new.

[70spider]

Thanks for the help. I only need to run the lights, occasional wiper and heater. I am one of the few people who don't listen to the radio, I just like the humm and wind. My electrical plans are to get SMD LEDs for the taillingts and upgrade the headlights (haven't decided on what yet).

Any input for a good headlight would be apriciated.
Thanks, Pesto

[baltobernie]

A more compelling consideration may be that an alternator off an 81 is 32 years old and the 95 amp is new.

Yes, and I also assumed that he could obtain a good salvage 65A. If he must buy a new one, the choice is more complex.

My electrical plans are to get SMD LEDs for the taillights and upgrade the headlights (haven't decided on what yet). Any input for a good headlight would be appreciated.

Careful with LED replacements for rear lighting. Due to the low height above the pavement, the Spider stop and tail lights must have a wide dispersion angle, lest you get walloped by a texting SUV'er. Standard sealed beam halogen headlamps, available at big-box stores, are pretty good if you have adequate voltage at their terminals. Sky's the limit from there. It's tough to beat a good E-code lamp, but they're 5x the cost.

[70spider]

I figure I can get an AcDelco reman 65A alternator for $75w/1 yr warranty, the new 95A alt is $200+. I'm trying to keep cost down because I don't know how much it is going to cost to get two dime size rust spots fixed on my front shock towers. If it doesn't cost me too much then I may opt for the 95A.
The LEDs I was looking at are these: http://www.amazon.com/JDM-Lumens-Bright ... 1156+bulb​
What do you think?
Thanks for the info on the headlamps, Pesto

[baltobernie]

I personally would not use them, but several forum members have. Automotive lighting is precision science. When I worked with one of the largest companies in that industry, I was surprised at how much equipment, skill and technology is in use. To give one weird example: Initial attempts at LED traffic signals nearly turned very ugly when we learned that there was one particular model of Ray Ban sunglasses that notched out the exact frequency of our red LEDs. Green ... yellow ... WTF?!

If you have clean tail lamp lenses, bulbs and reflectors, your brake lights will be fine. Early cars like ours have removable lenses, and a trip thru the dishwasher works wonders (air dry).

Good plan to get those shock towers sorted before any extraneous expenditures.

[So Cal Mark]

good luck with a reman, they typically just get brushes replaced and cleaned up. Really, how much work could you do on an alternator, sell it for $75 and still make a profit?

[70spider]

Point taken on the re-manufactured alternators, consensus is not to get one. So, I guess I'll just keep the old 42amp until I can afford a new 95amp.
Thanks for the input
Pesto