6 replies to this topic

[rendersonique]

Hi all,
I am thinking of getting a set of of spotlights on my 68 mini cooper and I know the dynamo will not be upto supplying the lights with the ampage they will require. Can anybody advise of an altornator that will fit the period of my car? I have spoken to a guy that will be upto doing the modification, but I just don't want the change to detract too much from the period of the car. I know that the works rally cars were fitted with alternators!

[tommy13]

I think the early Minis were fitted with a 36 amp alternator 17ACR / Lucas LRA100. This is about 15A more than the dynamo output. The next step is Lucas LRA103 (45amp).
You may have to use an alternator type rear mounting bracket, or use spacers and a long bolt with the original dynamo bracket.
Most alternators of the era were handed, left or right, depending which side of the alternator the mounting brackets are on when viewed from the front. The Mini uses a RH unit, but a LH unit can be converted by removing the long screws which hold the casing together and rotate the front part of the case in relation to the rear until the other hole in the front plate lines up with the hole in the rear. If one of the holes in the front casing was threaded you will have to drill this out.

[tommy13]

There is also this if you are very rich and crave original looks.
http://www.holden.co...p?pCode=081.200

[Bob_R]

I think the early Minis were fitted with a 36 amp alternator 17ACR / Lucas LRA100. This is about 15A more than the dynamo output. The next step is Lucas LRA103 (45amp).
You may have to use an alternator type rear mounting bracket, or use spacers and a long bolt with the original dynamo bracket.
Most alternators of the era were handed, left or right, depending which side of the alternator the mounting brackets are on when viewed from the front. The Mini uses a RH unit, but a LH unit can be converted by removing the long screws which hold the casing together and rotate the front part of the case in relation to the rear until the other hole in the front plate lines up with the hole in the rear. If one of the holes in the front casing was threaded you will have to drill this out.

Sorry if it adds to the confusion, but my books suggest either a Lucas 11AC with a seperate 4TR regulator or the later model was the Lucas 16ACR which has built in regulator. 11AC will give 43amps 16ACR 34amps. I have another book on Lucas specs at the workshop if I find anything else I'll post again tomorrow.

[tommy13]

I think the early Minis were fitted with a 36 amp alternator 17ACR / Lucas LRA100. This is about 15A more than the dynamo output. The next step is Lucas LRA103 (45amp).
You may have to use an alternator type rear mounting bracket, or use spacers and a long bolt with the original dynamo bracket.
Most alternators of the era were handed, left or right, depending which side of the alternator the mounting brackets are on when viewed from the front. The Mini uses a RH unit, but a LH unit can be converted by removing the long screws which hold the casing together and rotate the front part of the case in relation to the rear until the other hole in the front plate lines up with the hole in the rear. If one of the holes in the front casing was threaded you will have to drill this out.

Sorry if it adds to the confusion, but my books suggest either a Lucas 11AC with a seperate 4TR regulator or the later model was the Lucas 16ACR which has built in regulator. 11AC will give 43amps 16ACR 34amps. I have another book on Lucas specs at the workshop if I find anything else I'll post again tomorrow.

Looks as though you are correct. I have never seen a Mini with the seperate 4TR regulator. I don't know where you would get one now as Somerford are doing them on an exchange basis.
http://www.somerford...x...=page&id=72

[bmcecosse]

The Works cars used the 11 AC alternator - with 4 TR and 6RA units.

[62S]

4TR regulators turn up on eBay regularly

ebay this way

You need to get all the right bits as they were available in positive and neagtive earth versions. You also need a 4AW alternator warning light control unit - all in all its much easier to fit an ACR unit