Gen. cut-out

[Old26Buick]

I heard that someone has been rebuilding Delco Gen. cutouts and using some kind of diode in them. Has anyone know who does this and do they work good? Thanks

[Guest jules greenway]

you can get a kit to DIY

Model A Ford Generator Cut Out Diode Kit - For Converting Old Style Cut-Out To Solid State - Positive Ground - MAC's Antique Auto Parts

[ply33]

In the late 1970s I went through a bunch of NAPA cutouts... The contacts on them were aluminum and just not as good as the original tungsten type. Ended up just going to a local electronics store and got the biggest power diode they had on the shelf. Doesn't take much to pop the cover off, cut the guts out of a cutout and solder in a diode. All it takes is some cutting tools and a soldering iron. Mine has worked fine in the 35 years since I performed the operation. If you aren't confident in your diode selection ability I guess you can follow Jules Greenway's link and buy from MAC's and get the instruction sheet too.

Last I looked NAPA still sells cutouts. But unless they've improved the quality in the last few decades, I'd use that as a last result. Unless you want to use one as a mechanical framework for mounting a diode if you don't want to mess up a period correct Delco cutout. I've saved one Delco cutout for possible future show use but it is unlikely I'll ever transition from being touring centric to being show centric.

[Glassesguy]

Wilton Auto Electric. I don't have any personal knowledge of this but it would seem to be what you're looking for.

[startergenrebuilder]

I can help you. I use a 70 amp diode which is heavier than most of the others being used. You have to remember the amp rating is for when the diode is being used in a heat sink with air movement around it to help it cool, not tucked inside a can like in the cutout. Let me know if I can help you out.