1950s 59 suddenly stops charging?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Everything is new on the car including wiring. While testing both the battery and gen they seem okay. Guess the Standard 35 amp voltage regulator just crapped the bed?  Made it home but those lights were dim. Thoughts?

[bcroe]

Every time my 62 stopped charging, it was the GEN
brushes, regulator was OK.  Easy to check. 
Bruce Roe

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Does this mean I need to take apart the Gen?  I shot dust off in there and that didn't change anything.

[Michael Petti]

Test the generator and you will know. I think it should be 13.5 or 14 volts output if I remember correctly.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Does the idiot light come on at all? How about when the key is on but engine isn't running?
1st thing would be to go ahead and flash it. If still no, then test the generator without the regulator. I think you ground the field wire, but Google that to be sure. If the generator is good it should run away with rpm. Then check the ground on the regulator.  Then clean the points in the regulator (battery disconnected of course).
There may be other troubleshooting tips in the manual.
Good luck
Jeff R

[Dave Shepherd]

Quick check on the gen is to momentarily  ground the field terminal on the gen., it would go to full output say 14-15volts., this eliminates the regulator.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Well after further testing its the Gen. Shame because it's been fully rebuilt and restored. My question is what would cause it to suddenly crap out?  I ordered from a different vendor this time and hopefully this time no more boo boos.  I'd like to enjoy my 59 and not have a pretty lawn ornament...

[dplotkin]

Quick check on the gen is to momentarily  ground the field terminal on the gen., it would go to full output say 14-15volts., this eliminates the regulator.

Except that on an AC car with a double contact regulator will burn up the contacts. Disconnect F wire from gen and ground F post as above.

Dan

[Dave Shepherd]

Never had to do that, musta got lucky. Lol

[bcroe]

If the 2 wires to the generator were disconnected, an ohm
meter should read near zero from the main output terminal
to the case ground (through the brushes and armature).  If
it reads open circuit, brushes are gone.  Bruce Roe