ERA 2136 Build Log

[tkb289]

Alternator Question:

I am mocking up the alternator mounting using part of the kit form ERA, some of the 'original' Ford parts and will need to fabricate a spacer and buy one longer bolt.

Any recommendations regarding the location of the electrical posts on the back of the alternator? There is about 3/8" free space between the posts and the valve cover.

One thought would be to take the alternator to a shop, have it disassembled and the back portion rotated 120 degrees counter clockwise, so the two pieces of blue tape line up. This would put the connections further away from the valve cover.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[4pipes]

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[LightNFast]

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[289fia_cobra]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

A rebuilt Autolite would give it that vintage look as well as correct the position of the terminals - Just a thought….
]Alternator_Autolite - Club Cobra Photo Gallery[/url]

That looks rather cool. Not for my car but for Tim,s it would be a neat addition and lines up with his build (not necessarily for his budget though... ;-) )

[289FIA]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Alternator Question:

...
One thought would be to take the alternator to a shop, have it disassembled and the back portion rotated 120 degrees counter clockwise, so the two pieces of blue tape line up. This would put the connections further away from the valve cover.

Congrats on 289 for your 289!

Regarding the alternator, I had a similar problem. Replacement part number was 7078 (like yours) and the rebuilt unit had the posts in the same location as yours. Interestingly, the original unit (the one I needed) had the posts 120 degrees rotated (like the one you need).

Back to another parts store with both and this time the 7078 in the box was a match. From what they told me, it happens often that rebuilders put the front cover back on in various positions. Quick online search of a 7078 at AutoZone, Advanced and O’Reilly shows some confusion.

I’m sure it can be rotated, but if you bought locally, you may want to open a few boxes before you disassemble yours.

Cheers,
289FIA

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by 289FIA

Congrats on 289 for your 289!

Regarding the alternator, I had a similar problem. Replacement part number was 7078 (like yours) and the rebuilt unit had the posts in the same location as yours. Interestingly, the original unit (the one I needed) had the posts 120 degrees rotated (like the one you need).

Back to another parts store with both and this time the 7078 in the box was a match. From what they told me, it happens often that rebuilders put the front cover back on in various positions. Quick online search of a 7078 at AutoZone, Advanced and O’Reilly shows some confusion.

I’m sure it can be rotated, but if you bought locally, you may want to open a few boxes before you disassemble yours.

Cheers,
289FIA

Great suggestion, thanks!

My engine builder supplied the alternator, so it's out of the box and been run on the car.

In looking at it, I'll probably try the setup as it is, and put on some plastic caps to keep wayward tools and other metal bits out of harm's way. Rotating the housing is something easily done later on.