Generator testing and replacement with alternator

[camhello]

Howdy all! Two questions; one dumb (possibly...), and one not-so-dumb (hopefully...)!

First question - to test a generator and the voltage regulator, where do I hook up the ground on my multimeter? All of the descrtiptions of the testing state where to put the hot/red lead, but none state where to hook up the ground/black lead?

Second question - what do I need to replace my generator with an alternator? Do I just need to buy the alternator, or should I get one of the kits (i.e. the jbugs kit)? I've got a '74 Thing and am pretty sure all of the parts are the same/interchangeable other than the alternator itself?

While I'm at it - I'm thinking of putting in a higher-amperage alternator since I'm planning to be able to run a pancake compressor out of my 12-volt/cigarette lighter (via an inverter) This way I can reinflate my tires when I take the Thing out on the dunes down in Oceano! I've got beadlocks on the car currently and am planning to hit the dunes at a pretty low psi...need to reinflate the tires to get it back on the road...

Thanks in advance!!!

[lqqkatjon]

I brought my generator in to a rebuild shop to make sure it was good to go. found out the armature was bad, and would be almost the same as an alternator kit, so I went with the alternator. plus I probably needed an new voltage regulator as well.

you want an Alternator kit. and a few other things. you need the alternator, the stand and the round part that goes onto the fan shroud. you also probaly need a different belt. but the other thing you need to deal with is the fuel pump. you might need a new fuel pump as well. one other thing, is that some/most pict-34 carbs, the accelerator pump linkage also interferes with the alternator. you can change the linkage, or file away some of the alternator housing and bend the linkage too.


I am very happy with my choice of changing to the alternator. the kit usualy has a easy wiring diagram to remove the voltage regulator.

[camhello]

@lqqkatjon Thank you!!