alternator vs generator

Patriot · 2005-09-15T00:17:11+00:00

Hello, I have a 1964 1/2 mustang. I'd like to see if someone call tell me know to determine if it has either an alternator or generator. I know that the early 64's were suppose to have generators and later in 64 they used alternators. What prompted my attention to this, is the fact that the in-dash warning light says "ALT" and not "GEN". There doesn't appear to be any marks on the unit that I can see (from the top). I do know for sure that it is a 64 1/2 as the date code is 15D (April 15th of 1964).Thanks,David

Sep 15, 2005 21 Replies

Rate this thread:

Big Al 20 years ago

More misinformation. An alternator will not charge a completely dead battery. A generator will. Generators have residual magnetism in the field poles. That's why you polarize a new generator.

Vote

carcrazy 20 years ago

Hi David,

The 64 Mustang is one of my favorite subjects. The generator is 3 times as long, black and made of steel. Where the alternator is short and made of aluminumm. If your car is a 170ci,"U" code last letter in the serial number it is diffintely a 64=BD !

I have lots of information and links on this subject at our group site: To visit your group on the web, go to:

formatting link

To subscribe to this group, send an email to: snipped-for-privacy@yahoogroups.com

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required