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Old 02-11-2020, 02:58 PM
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Ford didn't switch from a generator to an alternator until 1965, so if you have an alternator, it's not original.

Attach a voltmeter to the battery. It should read just over 12 volts, typically 12.2 to 12.6. There are charts on the internet that relate this to state-of-charge, so download one and make that determination.

Then start the car and let it idle. The voltage should increase, typically in the range of 13.4 to 14.2. Generators typically don't make this voltage unless the engine is running at a higher RPM.

An alternator will have a separate regulator so that has to be checked too, but only if you're not getting the charging voltage.
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