CSX2201 and later charging system components

[LMH]

Yeah, I've seen that one too. More common as it's a Thunderbird number but the Cobras used a C3MF unit. Hard part to find is the pulley!
Larry

[CompClassics]

Dan,

You have not addressed the housing casting differences, diecast or rough finished?

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by Dan Case

CSX2201 later 12V charging system.
The aluminum case shells or housings were produced in permanent die casting molds. Appearance wise, Cobra production alternator assemblies had exterior case shell surfaces right out of molds. Any other case shell exterior surface condition, steel shot or some other hard media blasted, tumbled with abrasive media, strong chemical etching, or combinations of any exterior condition (for example let’s say front case as cast and rear case shot blasted) are indicative of typical service parts. Many of the brand new 1963 model year alternator assemblies I have held in my hands came out of boxes from one of the Ford authorized remanufacturers. The implication is that the Ford authorized remanufacturers had stocks of individual parts and they assembled whatever they needed to fill an order from Ford. Different rebuilders often used different case rework procedures and new small parts that may or may not have been like originals to make up complete assemblies. Once the as die cast exterior is changed it can't be reworked to look day one again, not 100%.

It was in the big commentary. I started paying attention when I serious started trying to find an unrestored significantly unmodified car to buy. That was circa 1977. Most Cobras were unrestored at the time and going to a SAAC convention 1978 -1988 could provide you with more unrestored cars to look at than you could remember. I kept a flip note book and took 35 mm pictures and made notes specific cars for years for all kinds of original parts in the engine bays. On really nice significantly unmolested cars there was either a completely smooth set of cases or some other type alternator altogether. At a SAAC regional event circa late 1970s I came across a CSX25xx street car that had been raced with a genuine 1966 GT40 alternator on it!

Production wise I have logged two different front cases, early castings without screw boss gussets and later (most) castings with.

[LMH]

Petty cool!
I bought the last original DST alternator fan/pulley from old unsold stock. There aren't any more originals, so a repo might be a good idea.
Larry

[LMH]

The one on the right is pretty close to what the Cobra used, minus the pulley/fan of course.
Larry

[jolsen42]

Originally Posted by LMH

The one on the right is pretty close to what the Cobra used, minus the pulley/fan of course.
Larry

Larry, I'm confused. What is the correct pulley/fan. The one I have looks just like the one on the right with a code of C3SF-10344-B. I also have a double pulley fan C3SF-10344-A

Thanks.

John O

[Dan Case]

The original removed from CSX2332 circa 1972.

[jolsen42]

Originally Posted by Dan Case

The original removed from CSX2332 circa 1972.

Thanks Dan, I see the difference in the pulley size. Oh well, mines a replica so only the most discerning eye would notice the difference.

John O

[LMH]

Thanks Dan!
As you see on Dans photo, C3MF-10344-A.



Larry

[LMH]

I'd think they'd sell for twice that at least if accurate, especially considering the value of an original.
Larry

[jolsen42]

Originally Posted by LMH

I'd think they'd sell for twice that at least if accurate, especially considering the value of an original.
Larry

-

Larry, what are you efen nuts? Don't give Rick any ideas, just kidding, but you are probably correct, I would pay that, but would prefer the lower price!

John O

[Mark IV]

Well as of now I am halfway through the first batch of fifty pigtails! If we can do fifty of the pulleys I think we might pull the trigger! I have some contacts in the Galaxie world and there is some interest there which will help make it possible.

I will keep everyone posted as to the progress.

[AndrewB]

Larry and Rick,
Thank you for for the info -- much appreciated. The guy I bought them from had only one round case and a few squared off ones so thankfully I snagged the round one as well. Any tips on finding a rebuild kit?

Rick,
I'm in for two for sure, possibly three. I agree that you might be selling yourself a bit low on the price . I was hatching a plan myself until I received the alternators and realized the fan and pulley were one piece.

I just want to say thank you again to Rick and Larry/Jeff for taking on these projects. You all are doing some very impressive work!

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by AndrewB

Larry and Rick,
Thank you for for the info -- much appreciated. The guy I bought them from had only one round case and a few squared off ones so thankfully I snagged the round one as well. Any tips on finding a rebuild kit?

The front and rear bearings are commonly available at any parts store or bearing supply house. Do be sure to get a decent brand as some very cheap, Chinese bearings are out there and they don't like RPM! The brushes are tougher, I do have some NOS Autolite sets and am working on a supply that we may have found from an old time rebuilder. I will post when/if they are available.

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

If we can do fifty of the pulleys I think we might pull the trigger! I have some contacts in the Galaxie world and there is some interest there which will help make it possible.

From my point of view (having looked at too many originals to begin to count since circa 1971) you would have two similar but different versions to be 100% correct for most Mercury/Ford sedans with one model and a second for most CSX2201 and later Cobras. The sheave outer diameter of the two are different, the black paint is a little different, font used for the engineering number is different, and where the yellow inspection paint daub location is different.

Oh yeah, there was a service version without an engineering number stamped in (I have one.) and a version with prototype style markings (a forum member had one).

Dearborn Steel Tube made (more likely had made by a subcontractor) replacement sheave and fan assemblies for nearly three decades in small numbers and the ones I held in my hands at their booth at a show were slightly different than either the Ford sedan and Cobra ones.

My advice is to know what market you are after, decide if it is worth going for day one accuracy, and use a for sure genuine production original to copy.

[Dan Case]

Related comments. If somebody commercially does the sheave and fans that leaves only the COBRA lettered fan belt unavailable alternator wise.

Alternator mounts and adjustment arms are sold commercially by a forum member.

AMK Products® has the special length Ford specification bolt and thick hardened flat washer used for the adjustment slide.

COBRA lettered fan belts for CSX2201 and later cars have been made by several restorations shops for cars they have done but I don’t think any of them sell them commercially. To have complete coverage they would have to have stamps to do several different manufacturing dates.

[AndrewB]

The harnesses came in yesterday and they look fantastic. Thanks again!

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by AndrewB

The harnesses came in yesterday and they look fantastic. Thanks again!

Tell your friends!

[jolsen42]

Here is a pic of my alternator with new correct plug and stamp. Thanks Rick and Larry.

John O

[Mark IV]

Nice! Came out really slick.

I know some moron that sells those harness plug assemblies...........