Date:         Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:48:11 -0400
Reply-To:     A J Ivanciw <flavanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         A J Ivanciw <flavanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Modified alternator bracket
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

I mentioned that I was going to modify my brackets so I never have the
belt eat another dipstick tube and make a mess in general and there
was a request for photos so here it is. As promised here are the
photos of the other brackets. As you can see they are much heftier but
yet weigh only a few ounces more. Include the bracket shown that is
the modified adjustment bracket and this is one sturdy alternator
setup that is not going to fold over and eat the belt and more. The
lower bracket, with the dipstick support was simply filled with a bar
bent to the proper specs as the original bracket and welded to the
inside even with the lip on the original. Now instead of something
that is just supporting the dipstick tube I have an additional support
for the alternator that will more than compensate for any torque
applied by the belt.
As far as the mount to the block, the actual base bracket I had the
valley between the two plates filled with a solid weld and then I had
a plate added to the back to support the outside flange which seems to
be the first thing to start bending. I intend to grind smooth all the
welds and paint this up so it doesnt look like it was made in the
basement by elves but I am willing to bet I will never have another
bent bracket and dipstick tube totaled! Im not much of a photographer
so I hope you can see enough in the photos.
Since I had to use an easy out to remove a broken stud in the block
corner that the PO never fixed I am replacing the studs with stainless
steel bolts and lock washers with a dab of anti-seize. I dont think I
will have to address this issue again.

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh108/a2l1/1979%20VW%20Van/brackets/


A J


1987 Gl
1991 GL