Classic/Antique Car Repair: Replacement Radio, wattage, alternator

Question
I would like to to replace my AM radio with a new AM/FM style, but don't know if the wattage will work with my 1960 Oldsmobile because it has a generator instead of an alternator.  What kind of wattage can be supported by a generator?  The replacement radios are 200 watts.

Answer
The output of the generator on your car could be 35 or 45 amps depending on the model and the accessories installed at the factory. If the generator is the original one there should be a tag on it listing the output. No with that said the radio that you are installing with a rating of 200 watts breaks down this way. 200 divided by 12 equals a draw of 16.6 amps at full volume. So the generator has enough to support the radio depending on what other accessories that you have turned on like the heater or lights. The problem with a generator is that it produces almost no current when the engine is idling meaning that the battery must support the entire load.
Brad