Ok my '67 coupe has a 289 and c4 tranny and is basically stock. I bought a new alternator eight months ago with the lifetime warranty. Two weeks ago, my lights started blinking and the alternator gauge bouncing when I was at idle and the lights just wasn't as bright as usual. I replaced the voltage regulator and upgraded to a full electronic model ($45 vs the stock $13 one). Everything seemed fine for two days. Then it died on me on the way home one night with a dead battery. I got a jump or two and made it home. The alternator checked bad at the auto parts (Auto Zone) place I bought it, so it was replaced with no prob. I installed the replacement alternator and it to was bad. Another trip to the auto parts and the only two they had on the shelf tested bad too. The voltage regulator tested good. Since its a '67 they only offer rebuilt alternators from Mexico. I got a refund and went to the only other auto parts in my neighborhood (O'Reilly). They have the same thing, the only alternator offered is a rebuilt one. I opened the box and discovered it had the exact same stickers and "made in Mexico" label on it. This alternator lasted me three days. I tested the wiring and it shows no shorts and no voltage draw when the car is off. Now am I just getting plagued by poorly rebuilt imported alternators or is there something I am over looking? There is a Napa Auto Parts nearby. Has anyone had any good luck with their parts? Should I buy a new alternator from a performance place like Summit or Jegs? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

You need to get away from the cheap mexican or chinese rebuilt alturnators. My suggestion would be to go to Napa and get thier top of the line unit, properly built in north america. Or get with NPD and get one of thiers.

The difficulty with the cheap rebuilds is that your battery is pretty much drained and you are puting a max load on the new alturnator right away and stressing it to the point of failure. Out of the box failures are common. Or soon thereafter under heavy load. Do yourself a favor and get a decent unit, charge the battery before restarting and make sure the grounds are all good.

 

+1 on going with NAPA or NPD.

Pay a little more and get the good stuff and you will be ahead in money, time and aggravation.

 

Do you still have the original Alt ?

Where I live I can have a alternator rebuilt at starter/alternator rebuilder shop for about $40.00.cdn

Look around locally for one and help the local economy instead of off shore companies.

How close is this place to you?

http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/home.asp


I may have an older one out in the garage for sale IYI.

 

get a good alternator from summit racing and be done with it