1964 356C generator question

[catahoula lou]

My neighbor has a 12V-converted 1964 356C with a 12V generator that is reverse-polarized. We've tried numerous times to re-polarize it, but won't work properly.

May be improperly re-wired from 6V to 12V by a small shop, which was done several years ago, sat on a shelf for several years, and obviously cannot be returned for a replacement or a refund. To add insult to injury, the shop took in his 6V Porsche generator and a few days later, gave him a 12V VW generator that fits the original 6V stand on the engine instead.

As I mentioned, it's a 12V VW generator. He talked to a nearby VW mechanic today, who said that only Porsche generators, not VW generators, were used in the 356s.

I already have a WTB ad on the Samba for a 12V 25amp generator that will fit a 6V stand at the following link (no responses to date):

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1695009

However, we're puzzled.

Is it true that only Porsche generators, and never VW generators, originally came with the 356s?

Is he doing something wrong using the noted generator? Wiring is properly connected.

Any other generator suggestions that we've overlooked?

Best,

Thom
_________________
1 great wife
2 Catahoula Leopard Dogs (Mahogany Star and Spartan) - RIP Lucy, Braveheart, & Dusty!
1 1959 mango green Ragtop Bug (the "Mango")
1 1958 pantina red Lowlight Ghia (the "Chili Pepper")

Still looking for:
(1) My Dad's 1955 356 (he raced it amateur-class at Riverside and other courses during 1950s),
(2) My parent's black 1955 hardtop bug (CA license plate FWC 201 or FWG 201), and
(3) My parent's agave green 1957 ragtop bug (CA license plate LFK 734).

[Jon Schmid]

By 1964 and probably a lot earlier Porsche used their own generators.

[Danwvw]

Not sure what the difference is, I used to drive 356's and never ever had any generator problems all were 6 volts. Try this it may have something! http://www.pelicanparts.com/356/356world.htm but with the regulator disconnected just briefly connecting the D+ to 6 volts with DF grounded, that should polarize it. I would just run a Bosch Solid state 12 volt generator regulator with it if you go with a 12 volt gen. system. What are you doing for the starter?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-356-technical-forum/119213-6v-12v.html and http://forum.porsche356registry.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26047

Since it's not going to be original with a 12 volt generator I would just go ahead and figure out an Alternator for it. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1199564
http://www.allzim.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2594
_________________
1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[saddlesore1]

Call these guys. He built me a bomb proof 12Vt Genni
Automotive Electric Industries, 3831 Catalina St. Unit A, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. Call Mike Petullo at (562) 594-0179.

[James Davies]

Porsche and VW used common generators and regulators up to the end of 1953. After that, they used separate generators and regulators.

A 6v Porsche generator can be converted to 12v. Zim's specializes in 12v conversions.

http://www.allzim.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1018

[Jon Schmid]