An alternator instead of a generator

Question:

I own a 1952 Studebaker truck. I would like to replace the generator with a 1984 Delco Remy alternator but I have been having problems trying to figure out where to run the wires from the alternator to the wiring on the truck.

I have the battery terminal on the alternator hooked up to the battery in the truck but I’m having trouble with the plug on the side of the alternator. I have asked two different mechanics and received two different answers. I would appreciate any help you can give me to solve this problem.

Answer:

The battery terminal should be wired to the battery as you’ve done. The #2 terminal on the side of the alternator is called the field wire and its purpose is to energize the alternator. This terminal should be wired to a switched power source, which is a source of power that is on when the ignition switch is on and off when the switch is off. The #3 terminal on the side of the alternator should be wired to the dash warning light. The other wire from the light should go to a power source. If the alternator fails, the #2 terminal provides a ground to the light and allows it to glow, letting you know that the alternator is not charging.