1973 generation 1 external regulated alternator

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   Hi there so I want to get rid of my external regulator and I bought an alternator that has two pin plug in the side a ground and a battery connection out of it How do I wire it into my old system?

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Uncle Larry Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 18-November-2023 Location: 92543 Status: Offline Points: 13	Post Options Post Reply Quote Uncle Larry Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1973 generation 1 external regulated alternator Posted: 07-December-2023 at 6:24PM
	Hi there so I want to get rid of my external regulator and I bought an alternator that has two pin plug in the side a ground and a battery connection out of it How do I wire it into my old system?

aquartlow Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19-December-2011 Location: Summerfield, Fl Status: Offline Points: 2341	Post Options Post Reply Quote aquartlow Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07-December-2023 at 11:52PM
	Without a pic, it sounds as though you bought a Ford/Motorcraft 70-100 amp side terminal alternator. If so, it's operation still requires an external regulator. Post a pic of the newer alternator or at least an "internet" image if possible.
	www.supermotors.net/22468 Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires. No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t. Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone.

Uncle Larry Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 18-November-2023 Location: 92543 Status: Offline Points: 13	Post Options Post Reply Quote Uncle Larry Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08-December-2023 at 8:36PM
	Bingo ! Unfortunately looks like you're right. I went to O'Reilly's and asked them for an internally regulated alternator and they gave me an Ultima r 111608A and just now looking that up says it is externally regulated. So I guess my next question is what do I ask for in order to get an internally regulated alternator I heard somewhere that 1973 is when they offered internally and externally regulated.

Inkara1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 17-November-2021 Location: Ridgecrest, CA Status: Offline Points: 515	Post Options Post Reply Quote Inkara1 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08-December-2023 at 8:58PM
	Ford didn't have internally regulated alternators until the late '80s with the 2G series. The 3G series from the mid-90s to early-mid 2000s is a common swap into older Fords and is easy to find. You don't want the 2G (fire hazard). The 3G physically bolts right in, and then you just do a little wiring conversion. I put a 130-amp alternator for a 2000 V6 Mustang into my '72. Your other option is to go with a GM-style 1-wire alternator, but you'd have to modify things to make it fit. Companies like Powermaster or Tuff Stuff make alternators with a Ford front and GM back, but 1. Doing the 3G conversion instead helps things be better regulated, and 2. If the alternator dies when you're at a show 4 hours from home, you won't find Powermaster or Tuff Stuff in stock at O'Reilly or AutoZone.
	1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason.