John Hopkins

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: old-tank</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Generators need voltage applied before they will produce voltage, alternators do not, which is why they are used. If you have a flat battery, and you push start your car, a generator will not recharge the battery, but an alternator will.</div></div> Not that is matters for this discussion but you have the generator/alternator function theory reversed. A generator equipped car will run and can be push started (if fast enought) with the battery disconnected.</div></div> I haven't owned a car with a generator, but I remember being told that generators are not self-exciting, alternators are. Is this information wrong?

The diode is in the alternator. Generators produce DC voltage, like in a battery, alternators produce AC voltage, like your electrical outlet in the house. AC voltage looks like a wave when viewed by an oscilloscope, diodes stop reverse voltage, so 1 diode installed is half wave rectified, 2 diodes is full wave rectified. If 1 diodes opens up, you will still be able to keep your battery charged, but you are using only half the output from your alternator. Change or overhaul your alternator. Generators need voltage applied before they will produce voltage, alternators do not, which is why they are used. If you have a flat battery, and you push start your car, a generator will not recharge the battery, but an alternator will. Hope this helps.

Hello to all. I need some help in removing the upper cover on the column. I'm trying to replace the turn signal switch and the book says remove this cover using special tool J-22598. This cover has the turn signal lever, the tilt lever and the push/pull hazard knob going thru it. I just cannot see how this thing is held in place. Anyone shed any light on this for me? Thanks in advance. John.

I need to know how much these parts are worth. For a '68 Electra, the emblem scripts that go on the trunk and rear fenders. I have an interested buyer in Italy. Parts can be viewed here: http://www.familyhopkins.us/antonio.htm I want to be fair to this guy. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance. Sorry if in wrong forum, thought this one the best. John

Does the Electra have the front cornering lights? Thanks.

I think the '68 is the same as '69. I just sold the only one I had ('68). Be prepared to spend alot of money for NOS. Do you belong to www.v8buick.com? So many links, I inquired at one who replied that he had a used one. The site is HUGE, so be prepared to spend some time there. John

On Ebay, I have a NOS R/H mirror listed. Sorry I didn't post it here first, I just didn't think. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...item=2418910540

I found mine on E-bay. Keep looking, they come up every now and again.

I am looking for cornering lights, both sides. Hany any? John.

OK, lets get your opinion on this. I have a ?68 Electra, 40,000 miles only, orig. air system. It leaks so bad, in 3 days, freon is gone. So I thought I would change the<BR>dryer, the evaporator, POA and rebuild the compressor. So what should I fill it with?<BR>R12 expensive. And may not be available in the future. I have heard that 134 is not as efficient so will not cool as well. And will take longer to get cool. All thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Yes, mirror for sale, e-mail me electra225@directvinternet.com, old address was listed, I have updated. John.

I have one, but be aware, the R/H is not<BR>remote, and looks different than the L/H<BR>remote. It looks like the L/H non-remote.<BR>I opted not to put it on because of the <BR>difference. Mine is NOS, in box, complete.<BR>All models for this year have the same mirrors. John

I'm interested. Open or closed bidding? I already have 1, 2 wouldn't hurt. John

Are these lights compatable for a '68? If not, do you have any for a '68? Thanks. John.

If you are talking about the round red lights<BR>on the rear side of car, they are different from '68 to '69 I think the '68 has the buick logo, the '69 a crown. Every now and then, they are on E-bay, where I got mine. John.