Hi, I'm considering to convert from old 500F Dynamo to 126 Alternator, does the genuine 500F fan housing fit with 126 Alternator? I saw the conversion kit comes with fan housing so I was wondering if I need new fan housing. Any advices appriciated. Thank you very much!

I guess not, you will also need different pulley. In my opinion worth to do it if you are using your car a lot, if you are a Sunday driver you can live with dynamo but that's just my opinion.

I asked his question long ago before I did the conversion and I was correctly told that the studs that mount the alternator are on the cowling are at a slightly different spacing. In order to save the expense you would be able to modify the dynamo version relatively easily. The pulley is the same...just use the two halves in reverse order. I think the mounting block, (which is integrated in the case of the alternator), is secured using setscrews rather than studs in the case of the alternator.

I agree with Thomas that the dynamo is actually sufficient, but I recommend fitting an electronic voltage regulator which is easy to do and very inexpensive.

You will need a 126 cowling. The diameter of the opening on the cowling is greater for the alternator... Be careful to ensure that the correct spacer, cone and nut are fitted.


You will also need to modify the wiring. You basically bypass the regulator and connect the red that goes to 'A' position on the fusebox, with the heavy brown coming from the starter pole 67(from memory). Then other pole connect the light brown on the alternator to the green that goes to the ignition lamp on the dash.

nathanrobo said:

You will need a 126 cowling. The diameter of the opening on the cowling is greater for the alternator... Be careful to ensure that the correct spacer, cone and nut are fitted.


You will also need to modify the wiring. You basically bypass the regulator and connect the red that goes to 'A' position on the fusebox, with the heavy brown coming from the starter pole 67(from memory). Then other pole connect the light brown on the alternator to the green that goes to the ignition lamp on the dash.

Click to expand...

If you want the upgrade to be straightforward then, it sounds like the proper cowling would be best. There has been a fair bit of debate on the subject as here;

https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/438713-650-engine-rebuild-6.html?p=4218319

and here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/209605-generator-alternator-conversion-2.html?p=4213299

If I didn't have a 126-type cowling and was determined to fit an alternator I would first try to modify the 500 one if only to report back here my success or failure.

I think that you will find that the shaft for the impeller on the end of the alternator is M12 as opposed to M10; if so, no problems in getting the wrong one. I think that the impeller is universal to both types of generator.

fiat500 said:

If you want the upgrade to be straightforward then, it sounds like the proper cowling would be best. There has been a fair bit of debate on the subject as here;

https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/438713-650-engine-rebuild-6.html?p=4218319

and here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/209605-generator-alternator-conversion-2.html?p=4213299

If I didn't have a 126-type cowling and was determined to fit an alternator I would first try to modify the 500 one if only to report back here my success or failure.

I think that you will find that the shaft for the impeller on the end of the alternator is M12 as opposed to M10; if so, no problems in getting the wrong one. I think that the impeller is universal to both types of generator.

Click to expand...

I modified a 500 one. I wouldn't do it again.

MOD500 said:

I modified a 500 one. I wouldn't do it again.

Click to expand...

Nuff said.....or is it?

You can't just leave it at that...tell us more.......:worship:

fiat500 said:

Nuff said.....or is it?

You can't just leave it at that...tell us more.......:worship:

Click to expand...

Nothing bad! I had some 500 tinware powder coated from some years ago so I was determined to use it with the alternator.


I drilled holes to fit the alternator mount position, but didn't want to weld studs in place because of the powder coating so I used bolts.


The fan was so close that they could slide out far enough to do any damage, but with nothing to hold them they would spin when you try to tighten them.


Several times I have forgotten about this then cursed once I've started to take the alternator off.


I'm not sure how much additional time this has cost me, but the futility is the worst part. There is a part that already fits, off the shelf! So much easier!

I'm tempted by one of these "Dynator" alternators (or similar). Anyone have any experience with them?

An interesting concept which I have looked into. I was at "Race Retro" a couple of years ago (helping out for the day on the Middle Barton stand) and made a point of visiting the stand of the main company that does this conversion, Dynalite, and having a chat with them. The outcome of the chat was that they didn't make a compatible unit, and to make a 'one-of' would be unrealistically expensive--if at all possible. All there equipment was set up for Lucas units, and to convert a Marelli unit would not be feasible.

the hobbler said:

The outcome of the chat was that they didn't make a compatible unit, and to make a 'one-of' would be unrealistically expensive--if at all possible. All there equipment was set up for Lucas units, and to convert a Marelli unit would not be feasible.

Click to expand...

Shame. I don't know how many units they sell for Alvis or Lancia Flaminia / Aurelias but I'd bet that if they did one for the 500/600 it would easily eclipse those! They're the ideal candidate for such a unit!