Solid Axle Guy

I have an early 57 vette volt reg that I want restored & possibly have it converted to solid state electronics instead of points. Dan Patch out of Kansas doesn't do it anymore. Who would you guys recommend to do it? Thanks DavidV

DZAUTO

Bob Wilton, as far as I know, was the ONLY person on planet Earth who did VR conversions (for generators) to solid state. He passed away several months ago, he was 93.
So, probably your only choice now is to have it rebuilt by someone such as John Pirkle.

Solid Axle Guy

Thxs DZ you rock

C3TS

I've done the SS conversion successfully a couple of times in the past with the aid of an aftermarket SS regulator by carefully gutting the aftermarket part along with the original, and swapping everything over 1:1.
It may take a little Dremmel tool work to get a perfect fit, but it's not too difficult.
Once the converted regulator is installed, no changes are visible, and the part looks 100% correct.

Solid Axle Guy

WOW! Thanks a million C3TS. Great idea. Do you happen to have a link for the aftermarket SS conversion?

Pilot Dan

That won't work on a Generator powered C-1 car, there is no direct swap for that.

DZAUTO

Tell us what you used for the solid state components.

Solid Axle Guy

Thxs Dan. Does anyone know of anyone who does a solid state conversion besides the guy who passed?

Pilot Dan

At present to my knowledge nobody, but I am looking into it. I have 2 non functional converted ones to play with.

Solid Axle Guy

Thxs again Dan. You rock. Sure would be nice to have a solid state VRg for my early 57 with generator.

ack fia

I must have one of the last conversions done in NH. Still works great and acts just like the original (when it was working).

62vetteman

I'm also interested in a s.s. volt.reg. I just submitted a "suggest-a-part" to Wells electronics.
As some of you may know, they make a s.s. volt. reg. for alternator equipped ext. regulated GM cars. I suggested they contact Mr. Wilton's family for the rights to his design. Let's see what they say.
Erich

DZAUTO

Erich,
That is an excellent idea. Although, generator style voltage regulators are a limited demand and the cost may not justify the demand. Also, when ordering a conversion from Mr Wilton, he needed information about the generator such as amp rating, etc, so that he could tailor the VR to a person's needs. This tells me that the ones he converted were not universal. Now, whether it makes a difference if a generator is rated at 25-30-35-etc amps, I do not know if that would have an effect on how well a universal VR would perform.

Yellow6t7

Try Bill Caldwell Restorations.
7 Pam Bar Drive
Huntington, CT 06484
Phone: (203) 925-0940
e-Mail: wcaldwell01@snet.net

Solid Axle Guy

Thxs a lot Yellow6t7.

Solid Axle Guy

Thxs a lot 62vetteman. Tell me more about Wells electronics & let us know their response.

Solid Axle Guy

Who in NH did your conversion?

66since71

Worth a look. Don't know if your OE units cover will go over these. They are supposed to mount to the Delco mounting points... Like all aircraft parts, ... not cheap!

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...lickkey=138985

Harry

rfn026

The original worked for over 50 years. Why go solid state?

Richard Newton

Pilot Dan

I looked at these, they are a stand alone unit that can't be modified. The outer housing is designed that way to protect the internals from heat. No way to put a Delco cover on that unfortunately.