Another Alternator Question

Hi Guys. I need some advice on an alternator choice. I am adding Vintage Air A/C and power seats to my 1964 Polara. I had a factory A/C setup in the car previously, but the unit never really worked very well, so it is gone. Another FBBO member mentioned that he had to upgrade his alternator after he put Vintage Air in his car. I can get a 60 amp alternator at the local parts store or I can order a 95 amp. from U.S. Will the 60 amp. be enough? I think stock piece was about 40 amps. I want to retain stock looking Mopar piece. I will get the 95 amp if I have to, but would rather not go through added expense and BS of ordering from U.S. and ship to Canada. Thanks in advance for your input.

I looked into the same thing although it was just to help to provide extra power for my electric fan system. The 64 Plymouth came with a 36 amp alternator as standard equipment but a 60 amp was optional, I purchased a 60 square back alternator as an upgrade. If you do a search you will find a lot of threads on the subject that should answer your questions.

You can try the 55 amp its fine probly wont adjust the seats that much and lites draw alot of power the small electro magnet in the ac compressor clutch cycles and you have a battery to smooth it all out. Kinda like most houses have a 200 amp service and you add the breakers up will draw well over that.

Red63440 said:

I looked into the same thing although it was just to help to provide extra power for my electric fan system. The 64 Plymouth came with a 36 amp alternator as standard equipment but a 60 amp was optional, I purchased a 60 square back alternator as an upgrade. If you do a search you will find a lot of threads on the subject that should answer your questions.

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It is all power in power out battery is the smoothing thing.

There are a lot of previous threads on this you should look at. A couple of very quick and dirty notes:

• You could buy a 1000 Amp alternator, but it will only produce the number of amps needed to power electrical components that are on at any given time. Figure out what you need and don't go too much higher than that.
• Having said the above, be very careful with the old wiring in these cars. The bulkhead connector is a weak link, and many wires are not rated for more than about 35 amps. Do your homework so you don't melt wires, or even worse, burn your car down. Upgrading an alternator is not as simple as getting a new alternator - you need to address wiring as well.

Good luck!

I just got a POWERMASTER Brand new, made in the USA alternator. Check out their website. It's worth the $150.00
rather than spend money on re-built junk. You can get them at Summit & Jegs too.....