Electrical: Generator to Alternator Mounting Bracket

[Commander Eddie]

I really need to do something to better secure the alternator that a previous owner installed in place of the generator in my 1955 President State 4-door Sedan. Currently the alternator is secured only with the top bracket. I need to find a way to secure it to the bottom bracket that the generator was attached to. I have been told I could use a Universal Bracket or a couple of other DIY fixes that might work.
Before I dive into this I would like to get the advice of people who know these cars and work on them. I'm open to ideas. Photos would be helpful as well since I am a very "visual" learner.
The car has the 259 V8 with power steering.
Help, anyone?

[Stu Duglee]

Check the July ads on Studebaker Swap Page, George Shirley has some alternator brackets for GM style units, his bolts right on the exhaust manifold. I made one & I use a GM unit, works great & is very secure.

[rockne10]

I simply welded an extension, a piece of "L" channel to the original bracket and drilled two new holes to align the pulleys. Unfortunately, that car is long gone and I sold the altered bracket to someone who needed just what you need.

[Commander Eddie]

Check the July ads on Studebaker Swap Page, George Shirley has some alternator brackets for GM style units, his bolts right on the exhaust manifold. I made one & I use a GM unit, works great & is very secure.

Thanks, Stu. I found the listing and sent George an e-mail. I hope to get a reply from him soon. I think what he is selling might work. I appreciate the heads up.

[altair]

The generator and alternator brackets both bolt to the exhaust manifold, I converted a 12 volt 259 to 6 volts and it starts with ease 1 - 2 turns and it is going. I have three alternator brackets and in their inherent design they are susceptible to cracking. Two of the brackets have factory reinforcements spot welded to them and one of them was cracked and has been welded. The third bracket had no factory reinforcement and consequently cracked and was home shop welded. I also have an exhaust manifold where the alternator came loose due to lack of maintenance and the bracket mount was broken off. I would suggest to request a bracket with the factory spot weld reinforcement. I would further suggest that you insert an extra long bolt in to the rear most threaded hole and additionally support the mounting bolt with a nut to avoid the potential cracking of the bracket and breaking of the manifold mount. Many of the threaded castings are rusty and offer limited holding power, good luck. David

[altair]

The generator and alternator brackets both bolt to the exhaust manifold, I converted a 12 volt 259 to 6 volts and it starts with ease 1 - 2 turns and it is going. I have three alternator brackets and in their inherent design they are susceptible to cracking. Two of the brackets have factory reinforcements spot welded to them and one of them was cracked and has been welded. The third bracket had no factory reinforcement and consequently cracked and was home shop welded. I also have an exhaust manifold where the alternator came loose due to lack of maintenance and the bracket mount was broken off. I would suggest to request a bracket with the factory spot weld reinforcement. I would further suggest that you insert an extra long bolt in to the rear most threaded hole and additionally support the mounting bolt with a nut to avoid the potential cracking of the bracket and breaking of the manifold mount. Many of the threaded castings are rusty and offer limited holding power, good luck. David

In review of my own comment the exhaust manifold will not accommodate a nut on the alternator bracket bolt my error.

[Lou Van Anne]

Could anyone provide photos of the various alternator lower mounting brackets used for the 289? I think there are at least two styles.

[salmonstude]

Here is a photo of my 55 Commander bracket. I'm not sure what it is original from, I got it at a swap meet and it looked like it might fit. I had to re-drill the mounting holes where it attaches to the exhaust manifold. It fits perfectly.

[64studeavanti]

Does SI still have the bracket used to mount alternator on lark, hawk when R3 headers are used? The part number in the catalog is 801209.