Alternator fixed....

Thanks for all the input. Tore into the alt. yesterday and it turned out that the surge supressor was shorted, causing the rectifier meltdown. Tested the diodes of the rectifier and all were still OK, so I soldered them back in place, disconnected the bad supressor, and it works fine again. Still going to order a new rect., brushes, and a new supressor, but all will cost a total of less than $20. Now, how was THAT for a BORING post! LUCAS Literally Useless Crap Always Smoking? Hmmmmm..........

There's nothing like success!
The alternator for my 68 is tagged core. Moss lists a best fit, dealer price about $122. Just for giggles and grins, I checked with my small town parts house, and he thinks he can get one for about $55. The phone lines were down, so he couldn't check for sure, but at that price, I want one just to see what it is.
Then, I'll get the parts for the core and you can explain it to me!

There are more Lucas alternators and parts for them around than one might think. A lot of farm tractors use them especially Fords built in England. Many local independent Starter & Alternator rebuilders have parts and service for them.

Well, there you go! That's why it is worth it to me to see what I get. I don't like to turn 5 wires into 3, so if this works out..........