1958 Cadillac Eletrical/Generator/ voltage regulator wire melted

[Vania Stepani]

Hey Guys,

I need some help.
My 1958 Cadillac Coupe Devile was working fine until a week ago, I was driving then, i noticed my engine bay started to smoke, i pulled over and saw that my generator was smoking. My field wire and my ARM wire had melted.

I have since replaced the voltage regulator and generator but have not installed it, I'm looking for a good mechanic in the Los Angeles area.

Please help.
Thanks

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

You say you have replaced them but not installed them. Do you mean you have replacements and need someone to swap them out or you have replaced the parts in the car and need someone to hook them up?
If you are going to drive it to a shop and still have the old generator on it, I would suggest unhooking the belt. If the generator really got that hot it could have hurt the bearings and it may lock up on you.
Don't forget to polarize the new generator. Can find info o -line on how to do that.
Either way I would suggest you unhook the battery while it is sitting in the garage. Not much left of those wires.
Jeff

[Vania Stepani]

I've purchased a new voltage regulator and a generator but have not installed them yet. The battery is unhooked, i was going to tow it to a mechanic but cant find a good one yet. every mechainc i've spoke to wont work on older cars..

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Ok, that makes sense now.
It will be a fairly straightforward repair. You can swap the components out yourself. If you want to try we can talk uou thru it..... you are going to have it towed annyway, what do you have to lose?  Did you get new wiring too?
Jeff

[J. Gomez]

Vania,

I totally agree with Jeff assessment that would be a simple repair and replacement work since you already have the main items generator and VR.

You could probably buy that hardness already made or you could make one, it is just two wires from the generator to the VR with eyelet or spade terminals at either end. You could even re-use the existing ones and solder them in place, the wire size and color code should be in your Service Manual.

Since you already experience a meltdown now it would be a good time to add an in-line fuse at the VR “Batt” terminal for protection. Also, make sure that both generator and VR are properly grounded, I’m not sure if on the ’58 there was/is a “black” ground wire going from the case of the generator to the frame of the VR. If there is one that wire would also be inside the same hardness.

Just as a double check if you have or know of a local electric shop for starter/generator/alternator/motors around your area they could test your new gen and VR are functioning. Sometimes the VR may need to be tweaked a bit.

Also last do not forget to polarize your generator once the battery is hook-up and before you start the engine.

Good luck..!