Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

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John E Howe
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Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#1 Post by John E Howe »

I am in the process of reversing a 12 Volt conversion back to a 6 volt. I have the ability to either use a 200 Watt Gen/Reg or a 160 Watt pair.. From an authenticity perspective which is proper for a 59 Convertible D or was both used during that time?

Thank you in advance for the assistance...
Last edited by John E Howe on Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
John E. Howe
Purist at Heart!!

59 Convertible D
59 A Coupe'
65 C Coupe' 

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Gary Swauger
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#2 Post by Gary Swauger »

John:

The 160 watt generator is correct for the Convertible D. If the generator is rebuilt, it will most likely have the internals for 200 watts. It is the markings on the generator housing that is important for authenticity. The proper regulator is the big black one that mounts on the firewall passenger side.

The most important thing to remember is the regulator must be set to not charge more than 27 amps. I had a brand new Bosch regulator that was 7v 50 amp. It burned up my generator until Joe Leoni adjusted it. I believe Joe is semi-retired but he is an excellent source for info and parts. His business name is 356 Electrics.
Gary Swauger
Cambria, CA
1959 ConvD #86226

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Barry Brisco
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#3 Post by Barry Brisco »

Hi John

As Gary stated, if you are really going for authenticity than the 160w generator is correct. But if you are running any additional electrical devices on your D like driving or fog lights then consider using the 200w generator to provide an additional margin of capacity.

Best regards,
Barry Brisco
1959 356A Coupe 105553, Ivory / Brown
2009 987 Cayman, Carrera White / Beige (daily driver)

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John E Howe
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#4 Post by John E Howe »

Gary and Barry,

Thanks for the info. I am going for Authenticity. I have the Large Bosch 160 Regulator and I have tested the regulator and generator on a test stand to validate it for proper charging. I was just not sure if the 160 or 200 was used interchangeably on the Conv D. I have a 200 and 160 and if it worked for authenticity then I was considering the 200. I will stay on plan with the 160.

I now have everything to reverse the 12V conversion back to 6V (Purist at Heart)!!!

Thanks Again,
John E. Howe
Purist at Heart!!

59 Convertible D
59 A Coupe'
65 C Coupe' 

Ken Daugherty
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#5 Post by Ken Daugherty »

Since teh 160 generator is correct for the 1959 D, When did the 200 generator start in service?
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Jon Bunin
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#6 Post by Jon Bunin »

For pushrod engines, the 200 Watt generator/regulator first became standard on early '60 356B Super 90's, then eventually with the other models...
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Charlie White
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Re: Proper Regulator/Generator for a 59 Conv D

#7 Post by Charlie White »

Switch to 200 Watt Generators from 160 Watt Generators!

In November 1959, Porsche began installing 200 watt 6 volt generators instead of the earlier 160 watt 6 volt generators. Service Bulletin #46/59, dated December 17, 1959 points out that these new 200 watt 6 volt generators were installed in all 356-B engine variations (1600, 1600S and 1600 S-90). No doubt there are exceptions, as owners may have switched their earlier cars to 200 watt generators!

Engine Type
1600 starting with P-601 002
1600-S starting with P-85 219
1600-S-90 starting with P-800 149
Charlie White

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