Renovating the electrics

[rowan.bradley]

I am renovating a 1958 A10 Super Rocket. What would you recommend doing with the electrics? Should I convert to an electronic ignition system? Should I convert to 12v? Should I fit an alternator instead of trying to get the dynamo and regulator working again? What parts are available to make these conversions? Can they drop in in place of the old devices or do they need a lot of mechanical modification?

Thank you - Rowan

[Billybream]

A decent magneto and dynamo as originally fitted will satisfy the needs of your super rocket, 6v is fine now with the LED bulbs on offer, useful update would be an electronic regulator. Electonic ignition will demand a fully charged battery and a functioning charging  system, something not required with a magneto.

[Triton Thrasher]

There are alternators that fit in place of the dynamo, made by Alton.

There are electronic ignition kits too, made by Boyer and Wassell/Vape.  The trigger parts go in a housing that takes the place of the magneto.

There’s a lot to be said for staying original, but you did ask.

[Rex]

Personally I'd finish the renovations, ride the bike then see what mods you feel are necessary.
An overhauled mag and good working dynamo plus a DVR2 (not the crappy VReg2 thing) are essentials for me.

[Colsbeeza]

Rowan, It depends largely on much you are prepared to spend and how much and how fast you want to ride it. I went the whole hog - overhaul magneto and a spare, Converted the dynamo to 12 volt - it needs a new field winding to do that in Oz weather as the 6 Volt windings will get overheated at 12 volt and dynamo won't cut in until revs are higher at about 3000 rpm, DVR2 regulator and all LED bulbs, Norton style spin-on oil filter, Paul Goff indicators etc. Not to mention the Stephen McFarlane electric starter. Cost me a fortune which I will never get back but very satisfying. But I am still married but touch and go for a while. Then I started on the Lilac. Marriage
Col

[CheeserBeezer]

I am renovating a 1958 A10 Super Rocket. What would you recommend doing with the electrics? Should I convert to an electronic ignition system? Should I convert to 12v? Should I fit an alternator instead of trying to get the dynamo and regulator working again? What parts are available to make these conversions? Can they drop in in place of the old devices or do they need a lot of mechanical modification?

Thank you - Rowan

Definitely stick with the magneto. A 6v dynamo is fine for everyday use. If you find your dynamo is u/s i.e. it needs a new armature, that would be the time to consider converting to 12v. 'Yes' to previous comments about the regulator. Use a DVR2 which can be switched 6v/12v if you want to upgrade your dynamo.

[rocker21]

i kept the mag and fitted an alton with a toothed belt, i now have really good lights, and its much better than the low wattage 6v led stuff , tried that first there are some really god led's about for 12v but they do need a bit of power, i do ride a fair bit at night and live in the middle of nowhere on crap roads, so good lights are a must. i am going to convert my sq4 to an alternator as that is really crap at low speeds,

[scotty]

My ‘56 Golden Flash  was all original shagged out electrics.
I got the bike rideable and ran without the electrics for the first year.
When I did dive into the electrickery my electrical Reno included:

Magneto rebuilt
Dynamo rebuilt (kept it 6V)
Dynamo belt drive kit
Installed new 6V battery inside a dummy box
Installed DVR2 voltage regulator
New wiring loom modified to include some inline fuses
New Ammeter, Headlight switch, horn and dipper switch & rear brake light switch
New horn
LED light bulbs everywhere

Works for my type of riding

HTH

S