Where to find 6v generator brush spring clips?

[Jon Knoles]

Hi all,

Anyone know where to find replacement 6V generator brush spring clips? Last post I could find was from 2009. I reckon VW part is identical, but can't seem to find them online.

Went to change very worn generator brushes (about 50%) in my 356, discovered the upper brush's spring clip had broken off at the curved hold down area, about halfway across the top of the brush (there is no curved contact, just a little bit holding down worn brush). Clip can't reach top of new brush, so the old one is back in until I get it sorted.

Thanks,
Jon Knoles
Woodinville, WA

1961 356B T5 Karmann Hardtop

[Mike Wilson]

I just checked The Samba. Plenty of them available.

Mike

[Jon Knoles]

Thanks Mike!

[Jon Knoles]

I fear when the last box of NOS springs sells out, we're all SOL.

[Mike Wilson]

Glad to be of help, Jon.

Mike

[Jon Knoles]

Urg. New generator springs from two suppliers - One from the samba, the other a vintage volvo site. They are identical to each other, but do not match the springs in my '61 356B 6V generator, a replacement from around 10 years ago, stamped 180/6/2500.

My broken gen spring appears to have one more coil length than the new ones. Post mount is 90 degrees off too, which may just be my old spring's lost tension I guess.

New spring is too short to get completely over both sides of the brush holder when empty, or to get over the edge of a new brush at all.

The generator spring hunt continues.

[Mike Wilson]

I am really sorry to hear this, Jon. Since I have seen VW generators on our 356's, I made the erroneous assumption that since they are both made by Bosch, the parts are interchangeable. Perhaps BNR in Van Nuys, CA (818-442-9082, has the correct springs for sale.

Mike

[Don Gale]

Check ebay, some vintage Benelli and Moto Guzzi springs are very similar. Just need to match the shape and number of turns.

[Mike Wilson]

Check out hmb.guzzi in Germany. I found them by Googling "Bosch generator springs.

Mike

[Jon Knoles]

Thanks guys. I wondered about the moto guzzi connection too.

My mechanic has a few generators on the shelf he may be able to pilfer springs from, but I figured I'd give it a shot myself till he can fit me in for other work I need done.

Also got a response from a 356 fb friend who said he'd send me some for backup.

At least I got the new spring to hold the old half-worn brush down and the red light is off so I'm in a better spot than I was.

Changing those springs is not fun!