One wire alternators

[smilinsam]

Hello fellow bump lovers!...I'm sure this is something that's been addressed before...but I need some guidance on replacing the alternator on my '72 with FE motor. I have had a lot of trouble with the current charging system, and I'm looking for simplicity and reliability. I have built several "hot rods" with GM power (Oh, the shame of it all!) and used the one wire setup, and had zero problems. I just ordered a one wire, ford alternator (GM configuration, with ford mounting) from "Tuff Stuff"...it's 100 amps. It may seem I'm answering my own question, but I remember reading a "Street Rodder" article that presented some negatives about using the one wire set up as opposed to the factory engineered system. As I recall, it said the one wire could not handle the demand of a lot of circuits (power windows/locks, fans, radios, air cond. etc.) I'll admit that I've never built a vehicle with all the modern conveniences, and my '72 is fairly basic, but I've recently added air and a couple of extra cooling fans. The demand was right on the edge of my stock alternator, so it needs an upgrade...but I wonder if I might be creating new problems by using the one wire rather than a stock, high output...anyway, thanks in advance for any guidance/experience that anyone has.....

[sargentrs]

Some good info here http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =8&t=13062

[Calfdemon]

The 3G alternator is the way to go. Aside from that thread, if you search Google, there is a ton of information and write ups on upgrading to the 3G alternator and what you need. I have done it on 2 trucks and it really is a simple upgrade.

[tbone6]

I went with the same alt as you smilinsam (tuff-stuff 100 amp). It works great and produces more than enough amps for anything I can imagine. It is a very easy install, but you will be making some wiring mods.

[Mancar1]

The Alt upgrade is on my to do list