My 70 Charger acquisition thread (Cross country road trip ahead).

[birdsandbees]

I'd make sure the dash harness is up to snuff before I'd go upgrading the charging system.

Definitely, don't understand putting the big alternator in our old Dodges. Back when I was 16 I managed to set my '69 Fury II dash on fire with a stuck voltage regulator and I forgot to put the headlights on to counter it. Can't imagine a 60 or 120 through that little 10 gauge amp meter wiring, let alone the old firewall terminal block connectors. When I tore my 'Bee down the coating on both red and black alternator gauge wire terminals was melted back 3/8".

[crj1968]

Quick update, car is running 100% again.  It was the Alternator that crapped out.  Replaced it, had some concern since its now a 60 amp, and the alternator gauge was pegged at +40.  After some driving, that too came down to near 0, so all is well.  Our goal for tonight to get as far East through Wyoming as we can before dark.

I'd be very careful here; your stock wiring may not like the extra amps. There's an easy fix though. Run a wire from the alternator stud to the starter relay to take the load off the stock wiring. An 8 gauge wire from a parts store will do. Your ammeter reading will be off but at least the wiring is safe.

He had sent me a text with concern about going from a 40 to 60Amp alternator as thats all the Wyoming NAPA had. When I saw his car everything looked pretty good and clean including the wiring... I told him I didn't think stepping up to a 60Amp alternator would be a problem. Not like he had much of a choice. 

Makes me wonder how many of us, myself included, are running 60A alternators but don't even know it as we have done away with amp gauge for  a voltage gauge. 

[b5blue]

I'd make sure the dash harness is up to snuff before I'd go upgrading the charging system.

Definitely, don't understand putting the big alternator in our old Dodges. Back when I was 16 I managed to set my '69 Fury II dash on fire with a stuck voltage regulator and I forgot to put the headlights on to counter it. Can't imagine a 60 or 120 through that little 10 gauge amp meter wiring, let alone the old firewall terminal block connectors. When I tore my 'Bee down the coating on both red and black alternator gauge wire terminals was melted back 3/8".

The 60amp is only a max output ability. 70 up use solid state regulators, if they fail it's not to full output like the old ones could. My Denso output is fused @ 60, has a parallel 8ga. and a new OER ALT gauge rated @ 60amp. He will be fine and most likely have more amps @ idle for night time running lights/wipers/defrost.  The greater danger comes from low idle output when constantly cycling between battery and Alt. going stop to stop in traffic. The heating of wires increased resistance and that increases heat. 

[ACUDANUT]

I have been running a 60 amp on my 68 for years.  No problems.

[smithenhiven]

In Nebraska now, car is still running perfectly.  Car seems to have accepted the 60 amp alternator just fine.  Goal for today is to make it as far as we can through Iowa.

I wish I could post some pics, but cant resize them from my phone.  I'll do a recap with pics once the journey is over.

[Derwud]

I just met up with Jason (smithenhaven) and his co-pilot, Rich in Boise. So far so good and car looks great !   


(third try on trying to post pics...we'll see)

If you ever have a red-head stare at your car in Boise, it's my ex. She stole my car once to go to a ZZ-Top concert while I was out of town with her Brother...

[b5blue]

  As with any car just remember if for any reason your battery is more then just a little bit discharged NEVER charge the battery with the Alt. and you will be fine. 

[crj1968]

Nebraska eh?

Lots to see there. 

[crj1968]

I just met up with Jason (smithenhaven) and his co-pilot, Rich in Boise. So far so good and car looks great !   


(third try on trying to post pics...we'll see)

If you ever have a red-head stare at your car in Boise, it's my ex. She stole my car once to go to a ZZ-Top concert while I was out of town with her Brother...

I will keep an eye out.   

[Chad L. Magee]

Nebraska eh?

Lots to see there. 

True, so true....

Substitute either wheat or sunflowers for the fields of corn and you have Kansas...

[smithenhiven]

We made it to Illinois.  Staying at a super 8 just across the Iowa-Illinois line.  Car continues to run perfectly fine, I couldnt be more happier with it, so glad I found this car, and look forward to the many years ahead with it.  The only complaints I have arent even complaints really, just wishes.  Like I wish the seats slid back another couple inches, and I wish the seat-backs reclined.  Oh well, those ergonomical issues are the least of my worries.

Hit some rain in Iowa, wasnt really that bad though, other than that the weather has been awesome, just clear blue skies over open roads.

We should be home tomorrow.  We only have 8 hours of driving, about 500 miles to go.

[darbgnik]

This thread is pure awesome!

[charger chris]

This thread is pure awesome!

i 2nd that.

[Derwud]

We made it to Illinois.  Staying at a super 8 just across the Iowa-Illinois line.  Car continues to run perfectly fine, I couldnt be more happier with it, so glad I found this car, and look forward to the many years ahead with it.  The only complaints I have arent even complaints really, just wishes.  Like I wish the seats slid back another couple inches, and I wish the seat-backs reclined.  Oh well, those ergonomical issues are the least of my worries.

Hit some rain in Iowa, wasnt really that bad though, other than that the weather has been awesome, just clear blue skies over open roads.

We should be home tomorrow.  We only have 8 hours of driving, about 500 miles to go.

Lots of nice (insert Sarcasm font here) Motels on the Iowa/Illinois border.

[nvrbdn]

Welcome to Illinois. Glad the car is doing so well. Truly a trip to enjoy.

[1970Moparmann]

What a road trip! Glad you love the car.  

I'm sure you ran into the crappy weather in Chi-town today.   I bet it was the worst part of your drive so far.   Bad weather and road construction!

[smithenhiven]

Home sweet home, gonna just unwind for the night, ill jump on here tomorrow with some trip pics and a little recap of our adventure.

[toocheaptosmoke]

Awesome. 

[nvrbdn]

 

[cdr]

Home sweet home, gonna just unwind for the night, ill jump on here tomorrow with some trip pics and a little recap of our adventure.

GREAT NEWS !!!!   

[crj1968]

 

[bigdsul]

I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures of the cross country journey and of course the charger!

[VegasCharger]

Great news, congrats

[charger chris]

  glad you made it home safe. Hope you had a good time.

[Homerr]

Glad you made it Jason.  Looking forward to some pics and any other thoughts you have about cross-country in a Charger!