VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 6V-12V conv. & motor hops

can someone point me in the right direction for manuals or other text, sites, whatever for information regarding converting my 6v electr. syst. to a full 12v syst. thanks

along the same lines i am looking for old/original information on hot rodding the 216/235 motor. I have the california Bill's 1954 reproduction on the way, but am looking for more.

Don't mean to be a "killjoy", but you are in the wrong church for conversions. We kinda like them stock and that is how we recommend they be maintained.

On the 6-12 conversion: DON'T

Unless you're wanting to install a modern sterio or other gadget there's no need to "upgrade" to 12 volts IF:

1: Your starter is sound.
2: Your grounds are good.
3: You have correctly sized battery cables (1 gauge at the smallest/0 gauge better).
4: Your battery is good (Optima Red Top is excellent).

You'll get more info on rodding your bolt at www.stovebolt.com but many there will also question your 12v "upgrade".

I have seen the Optima batteries, but for some reason never considered them.

Which one are you using?

Rich

6V Redtop. 800+ CCA. It's a bit of a challenge to fit because it's narrower than a standard battery. I made spacers for mine out of a 2x6 & fastened them to the sides of the battery.

Many of us use 6 volt batteries that we get from Tractor Supply Co. I am sure other tractor dealers, part suppliers and even NAPA and regular parts suppliers have them in stock or can get them. Get a 650cca or higher rated battery. The TCA batteries are likely the least expensive and last 4-5 years if properly taken care of.

The Optima battery cost as much as 4 TSC six volt batteries that last 3 or 4 years on old well cared for vintage cars. Then you also have a brand new battery every 3 years, go figure . How long do you think an Optima goofy-looking battery will last, anyway?

I have been using the "farm store" 6 V batteries in my cars for the last 35+ years.. They cost about $30 when on sale, replace them every 6 years or so if needed or not and always spin over the engine when cold or hot....and never recharge them during winter storage.

I'm on my third year with my Optima & no problems yet. The local farm supply store doesn't carry a 6v with more then 450 CCA in a size that will fit my battery box. Just 'taint enough umph.

12 volt systems were optional on old Chevys. See web page <http://home.znet.com/r1937/12Volt.htm> for info. If you notice, the generator pictured has 3 wires and a rectifier so is actually an Alternator.
If you make friends with your local Electric Vehicle driver, they have a bunch of 6 volt batteries to get rid of every 5 years. I get at least 5 more years use out of them in my old Chevys.
I drive a 37 Canopy with stock engine and 6 volt system daily. It starts immediately every day with EV battery. I scrape the ice off my windshield and I'm ready to turn on the heater & go.

The Leece Neville system shown on the website mentioned by Lou was introduced back in the 1930s and it cost an additional $60 plus change, and included a 12 volt battery, (battery box had to be fabed locally) a heavy duty waterpump, fan, fan belt, brackets, a huge Alternator and a huge rectifier to change the AC current back to DC. I saw them on large trucks School buses, and emergency vehicles in junk yards back in the 1950s. It pulled about 20%+ of the horsepower of the old 216 engines when it was at full output capacity and I would not reccomend if for the usual Restoration. unless you are restoreing a School bus or large Chevrolet truck.
But you can say that Chevrolet offered a 12 volt system before 1955. Just like you can say that Chevrolet offered a V/8 engine back before 1955, also. YEAH!

I don't have anything against the Optima battery, (It does look goofy, to me) it is an example of the state of the art of battery inovations. I just think that our members of the site may want to have an economical and easy way to power their old car's starting and charging system.

has anybody used the split voltage batteries i have seen. they have terminals for 12v so i guess you can power modern equipment, then there is a single terminal for 6v use so you can keep and use original equipment like starters and lights???? ost the site i will post it when i find it again.

That arrangement would cause more problems than you could handle. Leave your vehicle "stock" so you will have a standard to compare. When you try to reinvent the wheel, all kinds of bad things happen. Concentrate on the little things and the 6-volt system will work just fine. If you wish to update your vehicle to more modern, buy a new car.

A booklet by Randy Rundle is available from Patricks in Az.
patricksantiquecars.com

just got the catalog from patricks, it is all explained in there. converting, using gen or alt, and all the parts you need.