Alternator Dead

[december2021]

Seems my 1979 Midget’s alternator has died. Symptoms: red light started flickering when I picked it up from my mechanic, drove about 20 miles, died. Wouldn’t jump start. Left the battery on a charger, unplugged alternator, starts right up.

The alternator says “Lucas Electric” on it. Was this standard for a 1979? I don’t see a separate generator / regulator circuit.
What’s the best thing to replace it with?

Bought it from original owner’s estate, 55K miles, most everything is original, so I expect this is too.
Josh Rodd

[amgba]

OEM replacements are available from Moss and other vendors. I'm not sure about other alternators since I don't have a Midget, mine is a MGB. Save your old one for core return.

On the bright side, the old Lucas lasted 42 years, not bad.

You can also keep the original and have it rebuilt, my '69 MGB had the original alternator up until 2019 when the original owner replaced it and then had the original rebuilt as a spare.

Jim Lema