'64 Cj Electrics Questions

Our new purchase is plagued with some very sketchy-looking wiring throughout. In the vicinity of the starter and alternator, there are a lot of bypassed wires evident. Am I correct assuming that this was a 12v system with alternator when new?

I looked at Kaiser-Willys' site the other day and a new complete wiring harness is about $314. That would appear to be a fair price to establish a solid baseline for reliability. Can anyone comment about their wiring product?

I'm trying to do a tune-up with plugs, carb kit and set the timing. I can't seem to find a notch or anything for a timing reference on the rear pulley to read against the sheet metal pointer. What should I be looking for? Are starter relays and voltage regulators still satisfactory performers, or has the world gone exclusively to solid state ignition?

TIA....

 

I have purchased two wiring harnesses from Walcks. I believe they make their own, they are of excellent (original) quality and easy to replace, with great instructions. I too had difficulty finding my timing mark. Hand crank it slow and look with a flash light, then filled it with chalk or white paint. I could feel it before I saw it. It's there! Good luck

 

My '64 CJ5a came from the factory with a 12V Motorola 35 amp alternator with a separate regulator (turquois label) that mounts on the inner right fender. This likely is what your your Jeep should have too.
-Donny

 

In 1964, I suspect the 12V system (vs. 6V) and an alternator instead of a generator could both be specified on the options list. If your Jeep has a generator, I would be confident that it was delivered that way. Very unlikely anyone would substitute the generator for an alternator. I would also assume that an alternator only came with the 12V system.

 

I'm going to assume that mine had a 12v generator on it first, but was later changed to an alternator because of the confusion of excess wires that exist between the starter and alternator.

 

Welcome from Michigan, Dean. I have two 64 134 F head motors, one have a generator and the other had a Motorola Alternator on it, they both had regulators on them. I have since put G M one wires on them, that is the easiest and cheapest way to take care of your 12 volt system. I kept the generator just because, I have it, but scrapped the Motorola as parts are not easy to find. There are a lot of different type of adaptors to put a G M one wire on a Jeep motor, you can find them with a search of the internet. I found a pully for the alternator to make it fit the 5/8" Willys belt so you can use a stock belt on the Jeep motor. The people on this site will be glad to help you figure out what to do to make it work for you. Good Luck

 

Here are a few photos of my engine compartment. Comments welcomed!