VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Autolite Generators

Can someone point me to a source of Auto-Lite and Remy part numbers, applications etc. for early 20's? I'm sure there are old Auto-lite and Remy publications but I have had little luck in finding.

I have two generators, one the frame is stamped C1543B3 and is round, the other is the square frame stamped C128790. The square frame was on the car when I bought it but according to what I have researched the round frame is the correct one for my 24 Superior. Any direction/advice appreciated.
Thanks, Tom

Tom, I found the United Motors Service Catalog for Chevrolet that the Filling Station sells is very helpful. It does not cover Autolite but does cover Remy and Delco-Remy. It covers the years 1922-1933. My 24 has the 950-A Remy round generator.

Dave

1924 superior models used a round Remy generator , part number in the 1924 parts book is 812585, Illustration matching that part number is a round generator.
Auto-lite model GJ is listed for 1923 superior (cylindrical)

The 1928 workshop manual list two generators for superior models in this order , 950-A-B and then 951-A next model listed is 943-B for 1926 27 28 years,

Thanks Guys, my car came with the GH 1036 (square) generator but I have a complete spare 24 engine and it has the GJ 4021 (Round) generator.
I am in the process of rebuilding the GJ 4021 and plan on installing to make the car correct for 24. I suspect someone installed the square body when the original failed simply because it worked!

Will check out the manual from the filling station.
Many Thanks, Tom

My February 1, 1924 parts book does show Autolite 335797 generator for the 1923 model but also says to use the Remy 811703 which is listed for the 23. The illustrations show the 24 812585 that Jack mentions as being a much longer unit than either the Remy or Autolite 23 model. Just shedding a little light where there is no darkness!

Dave

Here is a general history. I'm sure that others will know more.

The late 490's ran the Auto-Lite starter and generator with a Remy 350 distributor mounted to the back of the generator. These generator end plates are currently being reproduced.

The '23 could have an auto-Lite generator and starter (both units are square) OR the Remy units (both are round). Both electrical systems used the Remy distributor(I think it is the 374A). The distributor is still mounted to the back of the generator. The REMY generator end plates are NOT currently being reproduced but you can use the newer Remy parts and modify them.

The '24 only used the Remy electrical system. These units have the oil pump mounted behind the distributor on the back of the generator. These generator end plates are currently being reproduced.

All of the early Remy generator's are well-known for cracked or broken end plates. The auto-lite generators are easier to find in good shape.

Interestingly, I work about 1 mile from where the Auto-lite factory used to be located. There was a huge riot there in 1934 during workers strike where 10,000 people picketed the plant for up to 3 days. The sheriff brought in 4000 National Guard members. There is a small statue there to remember the multiple people that died.

Thanks Chris,
Let me add some more darkness to the plot... My car is an F series serial number, 2F to be exact. From talking to my 73 YO uncle who purchased the car from the original family and my own observations while dissembling the complete car for restoration the following is noted.
- The engine casting numbers are correct for 24
- My oil pump is located on the front of the cam cover not behind the distributor housing.
- When I received the car both starter and generator were Remy square type.
- Cast generator end plate and distributer housing were swollen to the point of bursting.
- Radiator splash apron has tag brackets below the crank hole (1924) 23 mounted above the crank hole.
- Main wiring harness hole is keyed (24) 23 was round
- Horn mounting hole has 6 holes and the horn is mounted from behind the firewall. 23 had one large hole and 2 small screw holes
- I have the curved front axle (23) straight axle was 24.

So.... While my car is titled and has a serial number for 24 it appears to have a mix of parts from 23/24. I am sure some of the more knowledgeable GM history folks here can better advise but I suspect Chevrolet used up whatever remaining parts they had as the production year progressed from one year to the next as any good Yankee would do

Hey Chris,

Is the early 490 generator the same for Model D's and FA's? Just wondering.