Lagondaforum

Subject: Electrical

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Hi my friends
Do you know if I should repair my dynamo or if I should fit a dynator which is an alternator with the dynamo look on my Lagonda M35 rapide It is much more powerful and probably more reliable.
What would you do?
Regards.
Philippe

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Subject: Re: Electrical

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Dear Philipe,
I personally would repair the dynamo, it was reliable for about 80 years and powerfull enough if you are not intending to drive a whole night, with wipers on and cooling box attached. We also do not change our engines to more powerfull modern ones.

Subject: Re: Electrical

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Dear Peter
Many thanks for your answer. I think you are right and your idea is the best. I will repair my dynamo.
Best regards
Philippe.

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Subject: Re: Electrical

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You should find a vintage dynamo pretty straightforward to work on, however if it isn't, you could try this firm; DBJ Auto Electrical, in Uxbridge (West London). They specialise in old car electrics and have been going since 1949. Have seen them recommended by many, and they're not expensive. This from the Riley RM (my other car) Forum:
"I recently had occasion to need a dynamo overhaul and took it to DBJ Auto Electrical in Uxbridge. On arrival Brian said they could do it and it would be ready in two days. In the event it was ready in just one day. On enquiring what they actually do to them, they strip it all and clean everything, check it electrically and renew anything that was found to be suspect - bearings, insulation, brushes, nuts, washers and Woodruff key and so-on. Mine needed a new armature as it had shed a copper segment. They have some new old stock C39 armatures in stock so I got one of those, new brushes and the field coils buzzed out to spec and re-wrapped. When those armatures are exhausted there is a contractor who reconditions armatures for them. All was cleaned and painted and squeaky clean and tested. The price? £55 plus VAT, total £66.

All this was such good service by people of a more elderly persuasion who evidently know their stuff of old, and I am happy to recommend them for a quick, effective and above all, inexpensive service."

Hope this helps
Laurence

Subject: Re: Electrical

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I agree with all that has been said. The only further thing to look at is check that your dynamo is a 2-brush as used on the M45 rather than a 3-brush type. If it is 3-brush it's worth converting which can be done when your dynamo is serviced. You then use one of the electronic control boxes which are available and work well.

Colin