I took my old alternator apart that came off my LO3. It's the last piece Ive got to powdercoat under the hood. There were 3 wires that were crimped and soldered on, freakin PITA to get those apart. I was thinking about popping for a new alternator and taking it apart and then coating it, but I really didnt wanna tear open a new one. So I figured testing the old (but still good) alt would be a better alternative. But since Ive already got the entire thing disassembled, are there any signs of wear I should look for other than the bearings and such? Scuff up the magnets/metals that spin against each other? Any way to test the voltage regulator on the back of the case?

For whoever is wondering, the color scheme of the motor basically "requires" me to coat the alternator. All my serp brackets are black, as well as the WP and PS pump. All the pulleys are done in powder chrome, so it only seems right to do the same to the alternator. Chrome or even OEM.reman alt to me would just not look right.

 

Powdercoating the stator and/or rotor might make tolerances/clearances mighty small, but I guess you know how to avoid it. No need to scuff up the metal unless it badly rusted. Just use steel wool lightly on the copper rings if they are glazed/black. You'll also want to check all 9 rectifier diodes. The regulator can be bench-tested with a variable power supply and a lamp.