Alternator for your classic car

If you want to improve the reliability of your classic car, you cannot avoid thinking about a more powerful alternator for your classic car. Or your ageing vehicle needs an makeover anyway - even then, you should check your alternator carefully. No matter why you want to upgrade or replace your alternator, here at SC Parts you will find everything you need.

What is the purpose of the alternator in a classic car?

The alternator is an electrical generator that got its name from the fact that, historically, it only supplied power to the vehicle's lights. The alternator is driven by a belt and thus supplies the required energy, i.e. the electric current, for the consumer and the battery. The belt, in turn, is driven by the running engine. Mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.

There are different types of alternators:

  • dynamo

  • alternator

  • three-phase alternator


The vast majority of classic vehicles have a DC alternator as standard, as this was the standard until the 1970s. The main disadvantage of this variant is the low electrical output. This means that significant electrical power is only produced at higher engine speeds. This in turn leads to a faster discharge of the vehicle battery.

Today, direct current alternators can still be found as starting generators on aircraft turbines, small gas turbines and in some hybrid vehicles. Alternators, on the other hand, are very rarely found in cars - for example, in Citroën's 2CV. Normally, they are used in…

  • Small hydropower stations,
  • bicycles,
  • motorbikes
  • or smaller emergency power generators.

The alternator is also called an alternator - especially in Switzerland - a generator, a power generator or a dynamo.

Converting to a three-phase alternator is worthwhile!

Three-phase alternators have been popular since the 1970s. The advantages of a three-phase alternator as a dynamo are manifold, in contrast to the DC dynamos which were often originally installed:

  • Half the weight
  • double cable, thus higher efficiency
  • more power with less resistance to rotation
  • more engine power at the wheels (better transmission ratio)
  • Retention of the original look on the outside, ultra-modern technology on the inside
  • Original appearance is also retained on the controllers

It's a good thing that you can find everything you need to convert to a three-phase alternator at SC Parts! Not only in terms of parts, but also in terms of professional advice on buying. Of course, we have perfectly adapted conversion kits, for example for brands such as…

  • and many more

Our wolf in sheep's clothing, as we like to call him at SC Parts, will really get your enthusiast vehicle going - get advice now in one of our shops or by phone or e-mail and convert your old DC dynamo to a three-phase alternator!

Accessories for the conversion of your classic car alternator

At SC Parts, you will find a wide range of accessories if you want to do something about your car electrics yourself and convert your classic car to a three-phase alternator. For example we have

  • Type Lucas regulator dummies
  • pulleys with fan blades
  • and separate fan blades in our range

British classics with Lucas alternator

We also offer conversion kits for special requirements, such as British classics with Lucas alternators that have a minus to ground.  The minus at ground is common, but we at SC Parts also offer alternators with a plus at ground!

Your alternator for your classic car - perfectly tuned thanks to SC Parts

Did we convince you to convert from a DC dynamo to an alternator?  If so, we are very pleased, and we would be even happier if we could also assist you with our high-quality spare parts, our precisely fitting accessories and our competent advice on the subject of classic car alternators! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to  contact us!