45 Parts Depot 12V Conversion

[40 Nuck]

Anyone have experience with the 12V Generator conversion kit from 45 Parts Depot? Does it work as advertised? Any mods necessary, or visible differences once installed? I would like to use on my 1940 H-D EL.

I ordered their regulator that looks like an original cut-out relay, but their Armature guy passed away, and they haven't been able to restock their 12V Generator Conversion kit (supposed to fit inside the original 32E case without any mods). Anyone have an alternate quality supplier, or know someone who can supply the armature? I like working with 45 Parts Depot ... seem to be good folks who communicate well, and have very good products.

Thanks.

[George Greer]

I can't relate to the generator conversion,,,

But my two cents worth.

I have a Cycle Electric 12V Generator that I am using.

And one of Kurt's 12V Regulators.

I am also using a 12V Panasonic Emergency Lighting Supply Battery....no battery acid to make a mess with and It has been working just fine for several years now.

Has been working just great on my WLA.

I have to echo.....Kurt and Wendy are great folks to work with.

George

[rwrun]

I am running one of their 12 volt regulators with a 65a generator and it is working great. I have a 12 volt battery wired up to the top of a 6 volt battery so that it looks like I am still running the 6 volt.

[Ohio-Rider]

rwrun... I've thought about doing the same thing as that. Yours looks great.

[rwrun]

Heres what it looks like in the bike

[40 Nuck]

Thanks George and RW ... I am also currently running a Cycle Electric generator, but want to go to something that looks correct. RW ... Your battery solution looks great ... will work on something like that myself now that you've given me and Ohio the idea.

Much appreciated folks.

[rwrun]

Here is a pic of how I set it up to slide into the batterybox. Seems to work well so far and the smaller 12 volt doesnt bounce around.

[Chris Haynes]

Too bad that old batteries are impossible to find.

[Fiskis]

VL Heaven sells a dummy battery terminal top that fools anybody at least on JD:s and VL:s.
Maybe thare is one for later batteryboxes, too.

Regards
Fiskis

[40 Nuck]

Found a guy in Wichita Kansas who will convert a 32-E from 6V to 12V so that it looks stock. I have already got 45 Parts Depot's "Regulator in the Cut-Out Relay". This guy's got a lot of good references (including one locally), and stands behind his work. His website (lots of photos) shows that he works on all kinds of automotive generators. ACE Alternators & Starters. He's got about 37 years experience and is a master winder. I am going to ship him my 32-E and I'll provide an update once complete. Website ... http://acewichita.com/

[Perry Ruiter]

Anyone have experience with the 12V Generator conversion kit from 45 Parts Depot? Does it work as advertised? Any mods necessary, or visible differences once installed? I would like to use on my 1940 H-D EL.

I ordered their regulator that looks like an original cut-out relay, but their Armature guy passed away, and they haven't been able to restock their 12V Generator Conversion kit (supposed to fit inside the original 32E case without any mods). Anyone have an alternate quality supplier, or know someone who can supply the armature? I like working with 45 Parts Depot ... seem to be good folks who communicate well, and have very good products.

Thanks.

There are probably half a dozen bikes running around locally with generators that I've converted with field coils and the "faux cut-out" regulator from Kurt. They work great! One is even a 50's ServiCar with an electric start. The converted 32E and regulator look bone stock and could pass AMCA judging. If I ever build another Harley this is the set up I'd put on it ... Perry

[Glenn]

40 knuc

is the regulator the small one like what is on a pan. do you have a picture I
think i want to do the same on my pan. I have to take the gen. apart anyway
I guess the end cover held too much water and it is all corroded in there.
Or would 6 volt be fine I would normally ride only around 300 miles in a day
and just want it dependable

[Ohio-Rider]

I wish I had left mine 6v. I put alot of miles on with the 6v system and never had a problem with it.
Of course I've never had any trouble with the 12v system either. I do like the worry free sealed battery that I can use with the 12v system.
Is this conversion only for 32-E generators or it also doable with a Model-61?

[Perry Ruiter]

40 knuc

is the regulator the small one like what is on a pan. do you have a picture I
think i want to do the same on my pan. I have to take the gen. apart anyway
I guess the end cover held too much water and it is all corroded in there.
Or would 6 volt be fine I would normally ride only around 300 miles in a day
and just want it dependable

The regulator under discussion looks just like a cutout relay. The 32E is converted to a 12 volt 2 brush generator by replacing the field coils and getting the armature rewound. Two of the main advantages of the conversion are:
- with a regulator the generator's output is always matched to the demand. With the three brush your output depends on the position of the third brush regardless of demand.
- the output from a 3 brush generator peaks around 45mph and drops off after that. The output from a 2 brush doesn't drop off at higher speeds.
A converted 32E visually continues to look bone stock. Coupled with the regulator that looks like the cutout this set up could pass judging. My experience is it's been a very reliable combination ... Perry

[Glenn]

I have a Cycle Electric 12V Generator that I am using.

And one of Kurt's 12V Regulators.


Who is Kurt and where can I find his regulator
thanks

sorry did not see the bottom of Perry's picture I'll find flatland and get one and now to get the gen redone