I'm picking parts off my yard Jeeps like a vuture so I can drive to work.

I spent Friday putting a Premier Power welder on my M-715, which left me with a good 100-amp 1-wire alternator laying around. The charging system of my '68 Gladiator has had some gremlins, but I've put off messing with it because that truck is due for an engine swap soon.

Problem is, my new Dodge diesel is at the dealership having some warranty work done, so I'm without a long-range commuter. My wife needs our Durango to take the kids around. My flattie has a top speed of about 50mph. The new M-38A1 is just a tub, and my '48 pickup isn't even near finished. The '99 Cherokee is at the office, and the Atlas in my M-715 is still breaking in, so long distance highways driving causes it to piss gear lube out the breather at an alarming rate.

That only leaves the '68 J2000. But trying to drive it any distance usually kills the battery. I've even killed an Optima Blue Top, and that's pretty tough to do. I ran to the local Car Quest this morning 'cause they're the only auto parts store around that can find a part without using the computer and asking "year, make, and model." A new voltage regulator for the stock Motorcraft ignition is $70. No way, Jose. So, I just cut and welded the lower Motorcraft alternator mount on the 232 to accept the large case GM 1-wire I pulled out of the M-715 last week. A little cutting, grinding, and welding later and I've got a nice new 100-amp alternator for the J2000. I fired it up and the voltage meter jumped right to 14.4V for the first time since I've owned it.