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October 22, 2023

Fleetline alternator

I have a couple fleetlines I wish to convert to 12 volt. I am wondering whether a mini alternator will fit behind the side panels. Anyone have experience with this?

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Tracy Anderson

Aug 26, 2025

What Others Have Done

From Yesterday’s Tractors forum:

“Stiener Tractor Parts sells a small one wire alternator that fits perfectly on the 66 or 77, and behind the panel. I have used them three different times.”“I have fit the one wire Delcos under three tractors with side curtains. They will fit and are $45 at AutoZone.”“We have had some generators switched from 6 to 12 volt as well.”steinertractor.com+12Yesterday's Tractors Forums+12talk.newagtalk.com+12 talk.newagtalk.com

From New Ag Talk:

A user running a Fleetline 66 shared that they used a small Delco alternator with an external voltage regulator, but noted it still caused the side panel to bulge a bit.
Another suggested using a small Hitachi alternator, often used in Farmalls, which may offer a more compact fit.talk.newagtalk.com

From Yesterday’s Tractors (“Nice Oliver alternator conversion” thread):

A user posted a photo of a mini Denso alternator, describing it as “not much bigger than a softball”—a nicely compact option. Another mentioned:

“I got one that was advertised as a 1‑wire alternator, but I had to add an excite wire to make it charge. Wasn’t a big deal—just jumped a wire from the plus side of the coil to the alternator. Works perfectly.”Yesterday's Tractors Forums+1

Summary of Findings

OptionProsCons / NotesSmall 1-wire DelcoAffordable (~$45), often fits behind panelsMay cause light bulge on side panelsMini HitachiCompact, good fitMay need external regulator or minor wiring tweaksMini DensoVery small, clean install, can be 1-wire with modificationRequires minor wiring adjustment (excite wire)

Bottom line:Yes—mini alternators can fit behind the side panels on Fleetline (and similar Oliver) tractors. Your best bets are compact one-wire Delco units, mini Hitachi units, or small Denso alternators.

Tips for Your Conversion

Measure clearance behind your side panels before ordering—to ensure physical fit.
Consider one-wire alternators, which simplify wiring and eliminate the need for external regulators.
If your alternator doesn’t self-excite, it's usually easy to add an “excite” wire from the coil (+) post to trigger charging.
Watch panel fitment—even small units like Delcos may cause slight bulging; ultra-compact Densos often minimize this.
Test charging performance—during initial runs, make sure it begins charging once RPM is up (often around 1,500-1,800 RPM).