Thread: Converting 6Vdc to 12Vdc

Tweet

Hi,
I am a new at doing conversions with electricity. I have a 40 Buick Special 8, straight 8. What I was wondering is with the starter, converting it to 12V or would it pose a problem leaving it as 6V? I assume it would. Would it burn the starter out or just make it spin faster? Also with the generator, how is that going to work out or will I have to put an alternator on it? If so does anyone know of where I could get brackets for such an application? Sorry for the ignorant questions! I want to get it out on the street but I want it to be 12V when it gets out there. Sooner or later I plan on putting a Chevy 350 in her. So I am going to be asking a lot more questions about frame and suspension also! Any help with this is much appreciated!

Thanks!

If the starter is in good condition it won't care, just turn faster. Like any starter, prolonged cranking will make it veeerrrrry unhappy.

Find a shop in your area that rebuilds starters and generator/alternators, usually listed under Automotive Electric or Electrical repair. They can convert the gen to 12v if they're competent. You give up the charging at idle you'd get from an alternator, but you won't have to find brackets. However, if you search the web for the Buick club (s) they probably have a tech article or lead on someone who makes brackets for the conversion. Don't forget about the dash/interior lights, as well as the head and tail lights.

Whats wrong with a 6volt system? Both my daily driven 53 plym and my almost never driven 42 ford jeep still have the original 6volt system and start just fine. The only drawbacks are Id like to have a radio, cant find a 6 volter in fm and the headlights are pretty dim.

why not use voltage converters.i have a 48 chev mostly on 12 volt but use 12 to 6 volt converters for any original equipment such as the heater motor. available at most good parts stores or hot rod shops and a breeze to install right on the electrical feed.

GM switched to 12v several years before they went to alternators. You should be able to find a 12v generator that will bolt on in place of the 6v unit. 55 to 57 Chevy without power steering will fit and probably other makes and years up till the change to altenators. The oval metal tag on them will say if it's 12v or 6v. Generators don't charge at low speeds so an alt. is a better choice unless you want it to look stock.
I used a 6v starter on an old Ford with 12 volts for over 10 years without a problem.
The voltage converters Dougie mentioned will only be needed for the heater motor and the original AM radio if you keep it stock.

Originally posted by suedeplymouth
Whats wrong with a 6volt system? Both my daily driven 53 plym and my almost never driven 42 ford jeep still have the original 6volt system and start just fine. The only drawbacks are Id like to have a radio, cant find a 6 volter in fm and the headlights are pretty dim.

You answered your own question suedeplymouth. No FM radio, dim headlights. And on short trips to the store and back you draw more from the battery than you put back.