Parts guy rant

[R62HOPE]

My '62 had been "retrofitted" with a Delco one-wire alternator. I had no desire to keep it. I didn't mind so much the alternator, in fact I was going to replace the generator with a Ford alternator when I was looking for a '62-3 Falcon.

No, my issue was with the haphazard way the unit was installed - the alternator was not aligned with the other pulleys and was mounted in such a way as to not be adjustable - and the hacked-up, electrical-taped, and twisted-wire bypasses in the factory wiring harnesses.

Soooo, after buying an alternator and solid-state regulator, I removed the harness, properly removed wires no longer needed or damaged and added the stator lead wire. I used factory wiring colors in case I sell the car to help the next guy. I wasn't happy with the plug and harness kits available from NAPA and other parts stores, so I de-pinned the plug and used the terminals and soldered them to new correct color leads.

I made a lower mounting bracket from 3/16 steel strap and used the existing adjuster bracket.

All was well until I went to get the belt (I couldn't buy one until I knew where the alternator was going to sit.)

So here is my stupid parts guy story: I handed the guy at the counter the belt I had taken off of the car (and had cut and measured) and said that it was 35 inches and I needed one two inches shorter.

He asked what it was for.

I replied a 1962 Falcon with a 1965 to 1989 60 amp Ford alternator. This belt that I handed you is two inches too long. I need one two inches shorter.

He said (and I tried not to strangle him) Well, I'm not going to show anything for that application.

If parts stores in my area were closer I would have walked out, but I wanted to finish the project... SO...

I said I have given you a belt. It is a 35 inch long belt. Using my AMAZING mathematical skills from my years of education I can tell you I need a 1/2 wide belt that is 33 inches long...

He proceeded to go into the back and returned with a 35 inch belt.

I humored him and held it up next to mine and kindly said Gee, this looks like it is the same size... How about one two spaces down...

It took THREE more tries to get a belt...

But in the end I DID get a belt and the conversion was completed.

Photos in a bit.