Herts/Essex border area; Looking for a man who understands dynamos & Voltage regulators...!

[Dikko]

This is for the 50's Trials Car with A Series engine which I am (still) renovating with its original electrics I've had to renew.

Auto electricians look at it in horror and suggest Alternators etc because they don't understand 'Old School' electrics...

I'm trying to set up the new Voltage Regulator but failing, even with lovely instructions from the Sprite manual I have.

I live near Ware/Hertford, can anyone recommend a man who knows for me to take it to please? I have trailer.

Thank yoooooo, Dikko.

[geoberni]

Try doing it yourself, with help from Lucas....
There is a booklet that can be downloaded which was published by Lucas circa 1960, to assist the small garage owner who knew Diddley Swat about electrics but needed to fix their customers cars...

See this Technical Library, item 15.
There's other downloads on there which you may find very useful too...
https://britishcarbreakfastclub.com/wp- ... _tests.pdf

[Dikko]

Thanks geoberni,
That's pretty much what I've been following but with strange voltage peaks and troughs (from 18v to 2 volts) and is driving me bonkers. I'm obviously not cut out for this and declare myself very diddley squattish...

[geoberni]

Thanks geoberni,
That's pretty much what I've been following but with strange voltage peaks and troughs (from 18v to 2 volts) and is driving me bonkers. I'm obviously not cut out for this and declare myself very diddley squattish...

Have you cleaned the contacts in the Regulator?
If it's an original it might just be in need of some TLC after have a century or more...?

I picked up an original 1960s one at an autojumble for £8 or £9. I slaved it in on my car to check it, and it worked fine, giving similar voltage levels to my existing one.
There are some 'know' common failings on Lucas RB106 Regulators, resulting from their construction techniques (probably because nobody could ever have imagined they would still be providing service after 60 years or more), but I have read several forums of other Marques and actually, Lucas Regulators have a better reputation that Bosch or the same era....

[MM1949]

I had all sorts of charging problems especially with my lowlight. I replaced the Lucas regulators on 2 of my cars with solid state modern replacements from Classic Dynamo & Regulator Conversions Ltd, they look like the originals from the outside with no setting up required. They are expensive but well worth it in my view.

[Dikko]

Thanks folks, I'm getting to the point where I should listen to sense and not go down the 'old' route... We'll see, it is now in the hands of someone who has been on electrics for 50 years.... and even he said " Have you thought about an alternator?" !! : D

[svenedin]

I second the suggestion of a solid state replacement of the RB106 regulator. The modern copies of the electromechanical RB106 are absolute rubbish made in Asia. Rebuilt original RB106 regulators are available but they are expensive. The RB106 was never terribly good at regulating the charging. It either didn't provide enough charge or tended to cook the battery by allowing too much charge. Later regulators used 3 bobbins not the 2 of the RB106. Most charging issues are RB106 related and not the fault of the dynamo but people blame the dynamo and replace it with an alternator. Doing so of course makes the RB106 redundant and uses the alternator's internal sold state voltage regulating.

https://www.dynamoregulatorconversions. ... c/28007025

This solid state version looks identical from the outside (you can use the original lid) but there are no points to worry about. You retain the originality of having a dynamo. It is fit and forget. My electronic RB106 has been faultless whereas I had loads of trouble with the original RB106 units over the years (they particularly dislike damp cold in Winter).

Stephen

[MidnightMechanic]

Hey Dikko! It's great to see your dedication to restoring that vintage Trials Car with its original electrics intact! Finding someone who understands 'Old School' electrics can be a challenge, but don't lose hope. Since you're near the Ware/Hertford area, I recommend reaching out to local classic car clubs or enthusiasts who have experience with dynamos and voltage regulators. They might be able to connect you with a knowledgeable individual who can help you with setting up the voltage regulator successfully. Keep up the great work on your renovation project, and I'm sure you'll find the right person to assist you soon! Best of luck!