off topic - W111 coupe 280SE alternator (ignorant) question

[s class]

I have here a 280SE W111 coupe. It has been retrofitted with an alternator out of some other car, which does not have the correct mounting ears. A home-made mounting arrangement had been made, with the belt misaligned. This alternator looks similar to the W116 and later era cars I normally deal with - it has a Bosch regulator/brush assembly mounted at its rear.

I decided to replace it with the correct unit, which has now arrived, and I see that it is intended for use with an external regulator. (doh - I should have seen that coming). I have no experience with external regulators. The pic below shows the two units side by side. It looks hugely tempting that I could just unscrew the white connection block intended for the external regulator to attach to, and it looks like the modern regulator/brush assembly could mount in the same location. Could it really be that simple?

Any help appreciated.

[TJ 450]

It could very well be that simple, If the assembly to which you refer has the same spacing for the screw holes, I don't see why not.

Tim

[koan]

What connectors are under the tape on the new unit?

It could be that simple but you'd be a brave man to do it without a bit of further research.

[s class]

It looks like it really will be this simple.  I removed the modern regulator from the old alternator, and found it will fit into the reman unit.  So I bought a new modern regulator this morning. 

I did give some thought to the wiring and connections inside - the 2 alternators look identical inside. 

[Big_Richard]

.

[s class]

if you see the magic smoke escape from the alternator or something goes bang in the engine compartment, it really wasn't that simple 

Fair enough.  You hoping for youtube?

[koan]

From what I remember on the regulator there are the two brushes and a spring contact which I think connects to the exciter diodes on the diode assembly, will that connection be accommodated in the new setup?

[s class]

koan, it appears so.  I will try to get some pics later. 

[s class]

I fitted the modern external regulator into the back of the alternator, and it all seems to work fine.  Sometimes I get lucky....

[koan]

I fitted the modern external regulator into the back of the alternator, and it all seems to work fine.  Sometimes I get lucky....

That's good, got to have a win eventually.

[Hemersam]

No smoke or bang? Good show.
Hemersam