[dickepoohp]

Right up front, I admit to being a lousy mechanic. I am in awe of some of these threads which ramble on about rebuilding non-spec engines and slipping them into other hulks. I do not for a moment consider these feats within my capacity.

Alternator went belly up (1979 SC euro 3.0). Talented Porsche specialist chased up a guaranteed voltage regulator built in Alternator ($325 the "brother in law price) and whilst bombarding me with tales of tremendous difficulty also quoted me $300plus labor to install.

I have no business with a car (much less TWO!) which require either big bucks or expertise beyond my scope to keep up and going.

While participating in a local P-car run thru the woods, I bemoaned my demotion to a 15 year old Saturn and my lack of $600+ to replace the alternator.
"AHHA!" said one of my newfound friends...'I HAVE a 79 alternator which I had rebuilt a few years back which I no longer need...fresh...$100...and it is a breeze to install..why last time it took me about 30 minutes."

Got alternator complete with notes which color wires to which post, and it checked out with flying colors at local Gen-Alt shop.

I was inspired. I shot off 30 odd clams to Pelican and got back "101 projects 911" which includes r+r OF AN ALTERNATOR, COMPLETE WITH PICTURES.
Even a ham-handed near sighted pot bellied untalented wrench should be able to whip this out . (Two little guys difficulty and 4 hours)

YES! I can DO this.

Rather quickly disconnected battery, removed various bolts, COIL clamp, belt, and by wedging my fat paws into the innards, removed all 6 nuts holding on the air divert er thingy....unloosened all the leads (after taking pics for reattachment)

Now I find myself unable to scoot the air divert er thingy over an inch or so forward, and don't seem to be able to arrange for any sort of open arrangement like pic #3 page 62.

hAVE READ AND RE-READ but suspect even if all disconnected I shall not easily remove fan/housing/airthingya from mysterious P-innards.

I WANT to do this. I dread dragging my shameface into spotless P-guys garage and explaining why I have someone Else's alternator and would he puhleeez install it.
Consensus is that this is NOT difficult, and shop was charging arm and leg.
As I nurse my skinned areas, the price is seeming less outrageous.

Help! What simple action am I overlooking? Overcome your chortles and help get me out of this Saturn...the headliner is flapping in front of my face and I am getting a lot of "Where is your PORCH, Dick?"

It's Arkansas, 2 syllables - Por-sha- marks one as effete and pretentious. I retaliate by referring to their FOR Mutan s and cHEV Camar s and vOL-wAGS.
sO FAR, IT HASN'T SUNK IN.