[Man in the Car]

I had exactly the same issue when I had to replace the alternator on my ZR a few yeaers ago (although there is rather more room to get at it on that than there is in an F or TF!).

I think I sprayed the bolt with anti-seize before I refitted it.....

....at least, I sincerely hope I did!

 

[Man in the Car]

The alternator is identical for both air-con and non-air-con applications.

It would certainly be possible to mount the alternator higher up on a non-air-con TF (would just require the casting for mounting it fitting to the upper part of the block - threaded holes are already there) and if you found a suitable pulley and method to mount it where the alternator used to be, you could then benefit not only from the less exposed higher mounting position, but also use the normal belt and tensioner for the air-con setup.