is an alternator really necessary?

[tomothy94]

i'm currently running my 1971 2 door saloon on the original dynamo - although a few months ago i was having problems, i tapped it a few times and wiggled the connections, and i've had no battery problems since. I have a set of speakers hooked up to the battery through an inverter, and even with this, the dynamo appears to be capable. Because of this, I can't help but want to ask whether forking out for an alternator is actually necessary... I know it's not that expensive, but it is when you're an 18 year old student! so opinions would be greatly appreciated thanks

[Fingolfin]

No, of course not. Look at it pragmatically -- if the dynamo is keeping up, then keep the dynamo. If the dynamo isn't keeping up, consider an alternator; but obviously your dynamo is keeping up.

Now, if you decide to add more bells and whistles, do consider an alternator. An ammeter will become handy in this eventuality; it'll allow you to see just how much spare juice there is in the system.

[mike.perry]

If you are doing a lot of night driving, eg going to and from work in the dark and then having to top the battery up with the charger periodically then an alternator is worth having

[kennatt]

in the winter with start up, heater ,lights and wipers going,the the dynamo will struggle to keep up and with short trips the battery will be discharging.very simple to change over and not that expensive,also takes control box faults out of the loop.but every one to their own.

[chickenjohn]

No, an alternator is not necessary! As long as the system charges fine then keep it, and if you are also running a stereo off the dynamo then why change??

In fact I think many modifications are not really necessary, the Minor is a great car as it is and fully usable in standard form.

[bmcecosse]

Your dynamo is fine - but the fact you had to tap it suggests it needs a new set of brushes.......

[mike.perry]

You didn't expect a straight answer did you?

[chrisryder]

if it aint broke dont fix it.

if and when it does break, or you start having charging issues, consider converting to an alternator then.

[Alex'n'Ane]

Agreed with chris. Wait till it breaks, then look at the respective costs, and consider whether the upgrade is needed and worth it for you. I run a stereo, amp and 4 speakers, and find an alternator necessary since I drive at night relatively frequently.

[chickenjohn]

If the dynamo does need new brushes, they are simple and cheap enough to replace!

That is one of the many benefits of our old technology cars, no need to change whole components when they are designed to be refurbished cheaply!

[welshrat]

My dynamo recently stopped charging so went down the buy new brushes route before removing, it turned out that the brushes were fine, they were just stuck in their holders. Good clean up and dynamo is doing a good job again, new brushes moved to the spares/repairs box for future use.

[chickenjohn]

Exactly, Dragon rat, just a little fettling is all that is sometimes needed on our old (and better!) technology cars, often no need to replace when a bit if cleaning, freeing up can get things working again.

[lambrettalad]

hi if you can afford to change do so because the better technology gives better piece of mind plus if you wish to add you will have plenty to spare

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

No need for alternators - I used my '56 with dynamo all thru winter with lights, wipers and the whole caboodle on and I never had to give the battery a top-up charge. Do as others suggest, check your dynamo output and its health and look at changing the brushes.