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any suggestions on a better generator for my 1932 It won't keep up with the headlights on. Thanks

If it is an original generator and in good working condition and properly adjusted (third brush) it should keep up. Most of us do not do a lot of night driving so the generator is not set for maximum output. Also there is a person who makes a regulator that replaces the third brush to have a more controlled output. For regulator info contact: James Peterson bend Oregon 541-389-0438 jpetersonbend@yahoo.com

if the head lamps have been upgraded to 32 CP bulbs and dual tail lamps installed the generator may just cover the draw at 30 MPH.
A 1937-39 air cooled TRUCK generator (and fan pulley) will safely give more amps with no other cahnges and look stock.

On my 32 I installed LED tail lamp conversion kits both to reduce draw and increase visibility in addition to the Peterson regulator. A cut-out controlled generator output is dependent on the speed it turns at ( how fast you are going) and if the draw is reduced (daytime-lights off) you are subject to boiling the battery if driving for an extended period of time. Running with the lights on will slow that down but decrease bulb life and accelerate the tarnishing of the silver plated reflectors. I had my reflectors nickel plated and vacuum sealed to prevent tarnishing. Consider the type of driving you plan on doing to determine what will work best for you.

I have a 41 with a 6v generator. With the lights on at idle the needle on the gauge does drop below the charge point to discharge and the lights do dim some. As soon as I give it a bit of gas there is no issue. Drove it all last year like this and no issue with a dead battery. If it is not keeping up at idle but is fine at all other times this may not be unexpected. Others will know belter with your year.

On a side note any electrical issue I have with a 6v check all grounds first. These car really need the grounds to be in great condition. Also keep in mind that the battery cables need to be larger than those of a modern car. 6v draws more amps to produce the same number of watts for the lights. Watts = Volts * Amps. For this reason the wire AWG needs to be thicker.

Time for LED globes. 2000 lumen available. Regular globes 32cp about 500 lumens.

Running stock 6v Generator w/ 3rd brush adjusted and set, running the Fun Projects voltage regulator (John Regan) yes odd man out, but great stuff.

also Swapped to ALL LED on the car, headlamps, parking lamps, and tail lamps less strain on generator and brighter lights that others can see !!
all that info has been posted on here with pictures, part numbers, and specs :)

Thanks, Everyone

I run a later model 6 volt 30 amp generator with a regulator on my 33 and my 37. It is not original but I do not have my cars judged. It works much better and will keep up with all of my lighting and accessories.

Hi Ed,
Good idea using a voltage regulator. I have a 31 and like you will not be having mine judged. Could you let me know what voltage regulator you used and provide a sketch or explain how you wired things up.
Thanks,
Harry

Hi Harry, I just used a set up from later model Chevrolets. I did it so long ago that I don't know just what I used or how I wired it. I think if you go into "old Chevy manuals.com" you may be able to find a wiring diagram etc for a Chevrolet in the late '40s. I think that is what I have on my cars. I will have to go look at my cars to refresh my memory of how they are wired. It is not complicated. I know one wire goes from the regulator to the battery + and one goes to the generator field terminal and the other goes to the generator armature terminal. The terminals on the regulator are marked Bat-Arm-and Field if I remember correctly.
More thoughts on this subject: Actually my 37 was set up like that when I got it from my brother in 1966 and the 33 I did 40 years ago. I did not mention you will have to get a later 30 amp generator as your 3 brush 20 amp generator will not work with a later voltage regulator. I hope this is more help than it is confusing! There are several guys on here that can probably do a better job of explaining it than I did.
Ed

Thanks Ed. I appreciate your time you spent on this. This certainly gives me something to work with.
Thanks again.
Harry

Like Bears Fan said look up FunProjects.com With the other style the regulator is attached to the slip band cover. John developed his regulator to go inside one of the cutout boxes. You will have to send him one of your old cutouts as the ones he supplies are shaped like those on a model A. I like the Delco style better for our rigs. I had 2 ready to send him, but never pulled the trigger and instead went with a large diode in the cutout (50amp). Only cost a couple of bucks each.

Many people get hung up on the charge rate with the 3 brush generator. Set it at about 2, or 3 amps with everything on at a 1,000 rpm fast idle speed. If it goes over 10 in the daytime just turn on your parking lamps. You will notice that as the engine speed increases there will be a point that the amp gauge will go to 0. That is normal with this style of generator. In all the battery charge should average out between low speed driving and high speed driving.

Post back on the forum and let everyone know how things came out.

Art