Model 19S Magdyno

Someone has done very well. That looks like a machine that was ridden every day, long after Norton singles made much sense as daily riders.

That's not a dynamo, but a very compact belt-driven alternator. You probably can't improve on that from the point of view of efficiency, but a lot of the feel of 1950s history will be lost.

A neat job and nicely modified machine; Quite like it as is, tells its own unique story.

With the "distributor" ignition I guess it was an alternator motor. A standard Lucas alternator will be the simple solution but there may be alternatives. I trust the primary covers you have are for an alternator motor (large front drum)?

Im sure Alan will be on board soon to put you in the right direction.

Meanwhile enjoy it 
Jon

Why can you not refit the original type alternator?  From what you write, the ignition works as it is.

A face flange mounted magneto (K1F?) doesn't have a saddle for a dynamo.  The magneto for a magdyno setup needs a support platform which is probably harder to find than a magneto (which incidentally needs the correct cam ring to suit rotation  direction).
Dynamos are interchangeable for fit. Later ones were longer.  Early ones (pre 1937) had 3 brush regulator setup.  And they are normally 6 volt, which is less convenient for lights.  I can't find 6v normal headlight bulbs...

As you probably know already the K9 refers to a 1955 Model 19S.
It looks like you are running coil ignition through a Lucas 18D1 distributor and charging via the alternator. So I guess you are running a 12 volt system.
This should be a very reliable system for night riding.

Still, if you want to fit the correct item, the correct Lucas part number for the magdyno is 46029D as shown in the attached Lucas parts list.  It is listed as a MO1L unit.
The dynamo will be a 6 volt unit rated at 60 watts. Part number for the dynamo is 20013D/J, model E3LM.

I'm not a 19s expert, but I'm doubting it had a Lucas alternator and  distributor when it left the factory, to have that it needs the appropriate crankcase and longer crank where the rotor would connect, I'm pretty sure that the 19s never had these. This means the previous owner changed the timing cover to a flange mounted one so a distributor could be fitted. So as the others have said, you'll need a magneto and dynamo (they clamp together to make the mag dynamo) and a mounting platform, but here's where you have to be careful, there are a number of different types with different offsets ( I think there's a thread on here about it -I'll add a link if I can find it), you'll also need a non flange timing case. They are all findable on eBay, here and autojumbles - or you can buy a new BTH mag and new Alton dynamo, but that will be over £1000 I expect. But you'll never have to fiddle with it again! 
I hope that helps
Dan 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1622081308088770/permalink/2686217645008459/?

...an alternator, possible from a 2CV. ...and at 12V, great for night time riding and coil ignition. (Built in Regulator) BUT if you convert to a Lucas type dynamo you will struggle to get 12V and run coil ignition.

Ian's information above is correct and is the same as fitted to my 1955 ES2.
There is a magneto platform on the NOC Shop (see C2/117) in the Electrical section.  Or C2/117A has the mag mounting screw as well.

To lock the magneto in position when the chain is tensioned there is a lock bolt under the drive end, which tightens onto the engine plate.  This is a fine thread, 26TPI cycle if I remember correctly, and can easily be stripped in the aluminium base.  I converted mine to a fine metric thread so that I could use an Allen screw (domed head) for this locking bolt as it is so much easier to tighten.

Unless the shaft for the engine sprocket has been changed it will not be suitable for converting to alternator.  Also, the crankcases will not have the casting for mounting the alternator.

I'm sure you should be able to find replacement inner case for the timing chain.

Mick,
I've only had magneto models but have seen distributor drive models and noticed the difference.
The attached photo shows the inner cover for a magneto to be fitted.

Whoever modified your bike had access to a range of parts that they could use to fit the alternator.
I've seen these covers at autojumbles, so aren't too difficult to find.  It might be worth enquiring at Yeoman's Motorcycles to see if they have the parts you need.

Hi Mick,

   A word of caution when buying another timing cover. These covers changed slightly during the production years (not quite sure when) with the small oil feed hole at the top back of the joint face and the locating dowels being moved. You will be best to remove your cover and check it has not been modified in any way. If it looks the correct one, make sure the magneto one you get is exactly the same re the above. There were some posts on this subject a few weeks ago.

Alternatively you might be able to machine the distributor boss off your current cover and make it into the version you need, clearly you'll need to see if there is enough 'meat' once the flange is removed. Just a thought. 
dan 

There is a lot of issues with the electrical side of this machine, I can advise accordingly as and when you get to that problem. The initial issue is deciding what you want to change-ignition from the coil to magneto and/or the car alternator to Lucas type alternator or dynamo? They are NOT inclusive. Although refitting a dynamo does make the coil ignition (or EI-same power needed) an issue with regard to battery power-but there is ways forward.

If you just fit a 12V regulator to a 6V dynamo you can get 12V but the engine/dynamo has to rev higher to get to the charge point. This situation can be helped by fitting the dynamo with a 12V Field coil. BUT you have to part rebuild the engine to get the magneto fitted, and the dynamo so at this stage concentrate on the engine and its parts, worry about the dynamo voltage, lights and battery later. Even the rewire can be done as 6V or 12V does not make any difference.

Answer to above, you do not need a new regulator, the one I sell can do either voltage. Wiring will be the same. Initially the bulbs can be filament, so the cost and fitting of LED can be for another day. BUT of course the cost of a battery is to be considered. 
12V Field coil is recommended, but the 12V amateurs have been known to fail.
The Magdyno is NOT a single unit, you have a magneto with a platform and you fit the dynamo on top.
By the way Dan-the 19S at the end of the 50s did have Lucas alternator and 18D1 coil ignition, but of course almost a completely different bike to this early one.

Hi Mick,
As you don't have a dynamo, and when you get one you suggest it will need modifying,  might it be worth considering the 'Alton' alternator instead? Higher output at normal speeds compared to any  bike dynamo.
I don't have one,  but they seem like a sensible idea to me.

Regards,
George 

Is the Alton made small enough to fit a mag/dyno platform? I always understood they only made the one to replace the E3L.
Also if you go down this route it will NOT be cheap.

There is an Alton Alternator for Magdynos.

https://www.alton-france.com/generators/

I bought a recon E3lm dynamo, converted the bike to 12v added indicators and changed all the bulbs to LEDs, the headlight bulb is one of Paul Goffs, which is bright but not as good as a halogen bulb, however I don't ride at night much. Every thing is working as it should at the moment. I'd only use an Alton if I was anticipating a lot of night riding and heated grips etc. 
Dan