1978 Bus Alternator Options

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:49 am

I've got a 1978 FI Westy. The alternator has gone out.

Does anyone have any recommendations on an alternator brand?

Has anyone upgraded from the 55amp to the 70amp? If, so was it worth it? What other parts do I need to buy if I go to the 70amp?

I want to install heated seats, we will be using a tom tom navigation system on longer trips and run other modern gadgets while driving. This is why I'm thinking about the 70amp alternator.

Vdubtech · Post by **Vdubtech** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:58 am

Can't help you very much on the conversion, but we ran a GPS, Sirius radio and the CD player all the way across the country without any trouble at all. A higher amperage alternator should give the light show you have goin' out back a little boost though....

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:37 am

Vdubtech wrote:Can't help you very much on the conversion, but we ran a GPS, Sirius radio and the CD player all the way across the country without any trouble at all. A higher amperage alternator should give the light show you have goin' out back a little boost though....

Yeah I may just stick with the 55 amp. The upgrade is a bit beyond my budget, but I'd still like to get a good brand.

Randy in Maine · Post by **Randy in Maine** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:07 am

55 amps is fine for anyone without a gas heater.

I had my local "auto electric guy" rebuild my Bosch unit 5 years ago for $50 and it is still great.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:18 am

There was a place on Ashland not far from Fullerton that used to do it. While you wait even. Don't remember the name...
Get Bosch anyway.

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:24 am

10-4 good buddies. I'll see what I can find in the area of alternator rebuilders.

I do have a spare alternator out of my parts bus. Is there any way to bench test these things? Should I just go ahead and have it rebuilt anyway while I have one out? Probably a good idea and get everything replaced.

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:35 pm

I found a guy that will rebuild mine for 75 bucks down the street from me. Sweet!

chitwnvw · Post by **chitwnvw** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:21 pm

Manfred, I hear Chinese is good.

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:07 am

chitwnvw wrote:Manfred, I hear Chinese is good.

Chinese alternators?

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

1978 Bus Alternator Options

1978 Bus Alternator Options