Alternator rebuild, is it worth it

[gixrman]

I have two alternators sitting on my floor and since switching to a GM 1 wire alt. I thought of looking into rebuilding them and even if it was possible converting them to a 1 wire setup. So:
1. Is it worth it, or just scap them.
2. I searched and can't find rebuild kits but know they do exist. Does anybody know where? And I mean a quality kit.
3. Has anybody done this before?
I thought this would be a good write up as this seems to be a annoying problem with DSM's.

 

[turboglenn]

rebuilding alternators can be easy as pie, but testing the components or having to repair the armateur if it's bad isbasically the factor that either junks theunit or not (dmn i'm replacing this keyboard today!!)

ANyway.. if the armateur is bad the unit is junk (cause if you could fix it you wouldn't be posting this and i'd be asking you for help )

parts stores don't carry the kits anymore because people have become too "ddumbed down" to do anyhing themselved.. hell, just like you buy struts with the springs and all already on them now days instead of taking the time to use a spring compressoer and change them out

but anyway, back on topic. I was gonna post originally that it's more worth going to a GM alt, but you've already made the smart move... at best you could rebuild and sell them but not having at least a lathe to cut the commutator, the rebuild would be "so-so" at best.. I'd say see if you can get their core value as credit on another purchase of something you need at the autoparts store..

if you had the knowledge and tools to really rebuild one properly you could make great money making high output units that run with ne or 3 wires and are reliable and you'd have all our money headed your way

sorry my answers are vague but i'm only halfway skilled in electrical reconditioning to the degree of doign more than putting new brushes in and cutting the "comm" on the lathe to clean up the contacts for best power delivery..the windings i know how to do but sourcing magnet wire and then un-winding a bad coil and re-winding the entire arm is somethign you don't want to mess with unless you're gettingpaid to upgrade that bi***! I've built many motorcycle stators (like an alt as you know) and they are a fun experience and it's cool to learn the circuits but you'd need some one or some method of learning the proper ways to make the alt's better than stock to make it worth your time i woulfd imagine

 

[gixrman]

Thanks Glenn that was basically what I was looking for. It sounds like making custom brackets and pulleys to install the GM alt. would be easier!
As always thanks for the reply.

 

[turboglenn]

Thanks Glenn that was basically what I was looking for. It sounds like making custom brackets and pulleys to install the GM alt. would be easier!
As always thanks for the reply.

thos were my exact thoughts, but after i started making brackets, i realized i had to re=design them completelybecause the first batches were flexing frombeing made from ALuminum, but then to do a nice tie-rod and hem joint setupgets pricey as hell, hard to balance pice, quality and proffit, and on something as simple as a backet, i've mademore complicated parts that were easier to R&D than these alt brackets

 

[gixrman]

That's true. I have an idea for one but time is primo right now with making these kits and my day job, so R&D is out if the question.

Thanks again
Chris

 

[turboglenn]

what kits are you making right now>??

 

[gixrman]

Should have clarified that alittle. Still making the 1ga,b and 2g quick release kits plus the billet CAS covers. Doesn't give much time for other stuff.