Topic: Alternator Rating & Stamp Color 6 Cyl with AC

[suskeenwiske]

I keep discovering details that I was unaware of.

In a Mustang Monthly How-To Article on Vintage Alternators, they mention that there were 3 stamping colors used to indicate the Amperage Rating of a particular Alternator: Purple - 38 Amp, Orange - 42 Amp and Red - 55Amp.

What I don't know is how to determine which Alternator my car may have had. I have a 1965 Dearborn built January '65  Base Model 6 Cylinder Coupe Standard Interior no Back Up Lights Dallas DSO with the following options:

   * Factory A/C
   * Power Steering
   * Power Brakes
   * AM Radio
   * Single Speed Wiper Fluid Motor
   * Four Way Emergency Flasher
   * Group 24 Battery (don't know if that was optional or standard) and
   * Center Console

The Alternator, (unbelievably, original to the car) tested to be undercharging. Since it is the original one, there is no way that I'm trading it in and will rebuild it. From the above information, is that sufficient to determine which rated Alternated my car would have had?

Thanks

Ray

[ChrisV289]

You might be able to find the info here:

http://www.deadnutson.com/catalog/item/7070330/7161139.htm

[midlife]

Believe it or not, the stamp color is provided in the Ford Shop Manual at the back of the charging section.  Unfortunately, it seems difficult to distingush the alternators solely on technical specifications.  My guess is that yours is the base alternator (38 amps).

According to Motor Auto Repair Manuals, only 1966 were designated by color stamps, but I am not sure that is reliable information.

[markb0729]

You have a 6 cyl with factory AC.  Your car would have been equipped with the Orange - 42 Amp Alternator.

[Bob Gaines]

Believe it or not, the stamp color is provided in the Ford Shop Manual at the back of the charging section.  Unfortunately, it seems difficult to distingush the alternators solely on technical specifications.  My guess is that yours is the base alternator (38 amps).

According to Motor Auto Repair Manuals, only 1966 were designated by color stamps, but I am not sure that is reliable information.

Not reliable info. In the beginning of 1969 the information was changed to being metal stamped into the alternator instead of the ink stamp on previous models.

[markb0729]

So for Ray's original question and with respect to concours judging, would there be any point deduction for having a purple vs. orange vs. red stamp on the alternator for his application?  What would have been the most likely alternator output, 38A, 42A or 55A?

[Bob Gaines]

So for Ray's original question and with respect to concours judging, would there be any point deduction for having a purple vs. orange vs. red stamp on the alternator for his application?  What would have been the most likely alternator output, 38A, 42A or 55A?

typically 55 amp was used on A/C cars but I am not sure about 6 cyl applications . FYI remember the regulator rating and corresponding colored stamp would typically (according to shop manual) relate to alternator output.

[markb0729]

Good point Bob regarding the regulator.