hi guys, i've given up on getting a small alternator, it now seems easier to move the steering column (gives more angle in it too.) but i cant work out how to get a nice simple universal joint. I need something like in the original lower part of the column but with the 16-odd-mm bar on both ends.

any pointers anyone?!

perhaps this may help


http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/electrics.htm




quote
50Amp Powermaster 'Denso' Race single wire alternator (Part No.8162), supplied by Brise Auto-Electrical Systems Ltd of Dartford, Kent (Tel +44 (0)1322 277622, Fax +44 (0)1322 277623).
During the concept stage of the engine transplant, I'd spent a long time trying to source an alternator small enough to fit in the gap at the front of engine. The Powermaster alternator has a 93mm diameter body, and weighs only 2.6Kg, and is probably the smallest alternator you can buy. Each Powermaster alternator is rebuilt specifically for racing application, featuring high quality bearings, which allow them to run at very high RPM without disintegrating. The alternator is rated at 50 Amperes, which should be more than enough for the fuel injection system. It has a single wire output, which connects to the main battery cable, and it has just two other connections. One is a switched battery positive supply, which enables the charging circuit within the alternator, and the other is a warning light connection. So if the alternator is not working correctly, I have two amber LED's on the dashboard to warn me.

thats the wrong pulley for a pinto, would it be interchangeable? the universal joint still seems easier!

read the rest of the info on that site the pulley is changeble he has part numbers too.

We had this problem to so we raised the position by putting a plate in the old position and welding the alt brakets higher. It needs a shield to protect it from the exhaust heat. I take it this is the present position

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quote:

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Originally posted by JoelP
thats the wrong pulley for a pinto, would it be interchangeable? the universal joint still seems easier!

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hey mango, your car looks just like mine! beat that for a coincidence...

but yup, thats how it stands at the min, plus i have a shorter belt that wont fit cos its too small.

Hi,
If you want a universal joint try Rally Design. I got what they call an Escort Mk 2 Group 4 Steering Coupling. It cost about £18 and although it doesn't have a 16mm bar coming out both ends it does have a 16mm hole in each end into which a 16mm bar can be made to fit snugly before welding it. The coupling also has splines which match the escort rack as I think the primary purpose of this joint is to replace the rubber donut thingy between the rack and the downlink.

I basically turned down a piece of 16mm solid bar to fit VERY tightly into the joint and then clamped the pinchbolt up before welding the joint to the bar. For a bit of extra piece of mind I intend to drill right through and fit a decent size roll pin or maybe just plug weld it.

If you are welding the joint then take care with the roller bearings to avoid overheating them. I wrapped mine in a cloth soaked with water to try to keep them cool during welding but don't be tempted to quench the weld as this will make it brittle.

Cheers,
Craig.

Universal joints, look at Land Rover steering columns

For the alternator, you can get one from a Diahatsu much cheaper than Brise. And you can change the pullies. See here

NFauto sell universal joints:

http://www.nfauto.co.uk/uni_joint.htm

and will drill etc to your spec

As prviously mentioned Rally Design sell the Gp4 Ford UJ.

Cambridge Motorsport sell splined bar to suit these UJ`s.

JB

Universal joints you can source from a breakers yardalong with any bits of column you might need, or if you wanted to move the alternator you could run it of the diff flange, i have done this with power steering on a race car in the past.

Joel,

Hack saw and a scrapyard, the bedford rascal vans and their clones have a uj inside the cabin at about shin level on the steering column, not sure on the size of the shaft but 16mm doesnt sound unlikely.

You dont even need to get on the floor and get grubby to get this sort of UJ

cheers everybody! off to the scrappy.

Joel,

Did you find a Rascal one?

They really are the muts!

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=Alt_small.jpg

Mine was £20 from the scrappy.

If you still can't find anything then I have a 2CV one for sale.

HTH,

James

does that need a regulator? cheers for the offer fella, the bottom line is im running out of steam and just want to get round the problem in the easiest way possible, whether that be alternator or moving the steering column.

when i've done that, its the bonnet, and i suspect that may take some time.

The Bedford doesn't need a regulator (guess it's built in) the 2CV one does need a regulator.

Atb,

James

I got this one from the scrappies on Saturday, Kia Pride - its tiny
Rescued attachment AltEnd.jpg