Anyone running an weldernator?

[badreble149]

I’m going to do an weldernator on my runner, I’m going to use a second alternator because I want to keep it isolated from my truck in case it burns out or something. I’m currently thinking of putting an alternator right above the current alternator as there’s a water pump and crossmember in the way on the bottom. I could just do a welder when I sas this fall, but I wanna have a welder sooner than later, especially since I’m going to be messing with my rear suspension in a couple weeks. Anyone with a second alternator what are your thoughts for mounting?

 

[alia176]

This is a very complex project but if you got the itch, scratch it. I've been carrying a spool gun that operates on 24vdc (two batts) for emergencies in the back of the 80. Three batteries would be better but I'll need to attach a POT (potentiometer) to slow down the spool gun feed motor. But, all this is for trail repair, not for a serious home fab projects. Given the silly low cost of HF welders these days, especially with all the coupons, I think you might be money ahead in the long run, not to mention, massive amount of time ahead!

Good luck amigo, sounds like a cool project.

 

[cruiserpilot]

@badreble149 You looking for this??

Premier Power Welder, LLC

premierpowerwelder.com

 

[badreble149]

@badreble149 You looking for this??

Premier Power Welder, LLC

premierpowerwelder.com

Kinda, I wanna run a second alternator for redundancy, and because I’m paranoid about my alternator blowing up while I’m in the middle of nowhere. And I just graduated highschool so moneys pretty tight lol

 

[badreble149]

I ended up getting a 150 amp ford alternator and mounting it above the original alternator brackets.

Please excuse the hideous engine bay

 

[cruiserpilot]

You’re gonna have issues. You can’t run an alternator unless it’s got something to charge.
You don’t want the two systems to charge back on them selves. I’d be real careful.

 

[badreble149]

You’re gonna have issues. You can’t run an alternator unless it’s got something to charge.
You don’t want the two systems to charge back on them selves. I’d be real careful.

The alternators isolated, even if it wasn’t isolated without supplying it 12v to get it started and giving it a current it’s going to put out maybe 0.25volts.

 

[aztoyman]

I'm going to follow along and see how this works out for you.

Back in the 80's a mechanic I worked with at the mine somehow converted a big Delco 24 volt alternator into an onboard welder. I was young and inexperienced so I don't know the details. I vaguely remember something about eliminating the regulator and I think he controlled output with RPM (hand throttle). He was one of those guys that always managed to do what other's said couldn't be done. I learned a lot from him.

Your mounting solution looks good. Easy access.