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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50 |
Like it or not, I'm completely rewiring my 1946 Fleetmaster for 12v. Since all the power (excluding the starter of coarse) routes thru the amp meter I would like to know the rated capacity of the amp gauge, and or, the shunt in it. Also, I expect that the amp gauge would be the best place to connect the voltage sensing wire from the alternator. Any reason to prefer one post over the other since there is no load draw on that line?
Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
Your AMP meter will be ok, since a 6 volt system uses twice the amps to produce the same number of watts as the 12 volt system. Your lamp bulbs, heater motor, and the gas gauge is what will suffer, and eventually the starter. Are you going to change the starter over to a 12 volt solenoid and a push button switch?
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50 |
Thank you for your answer.
No, I won't change the starter. I still want the foot start peddle. I don't quite get the reasoning as to why the starter would eventually fail. I expect it will want to run faster, but with judicious use and fully charged battery, it should run a shorter time on each start.
Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
It is your car and your starter, go for it!
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
I have a friend and local VCCA member that has a 1947 with a 12 V system. He drives his car frequently, has the 6 V starter, and has had no problem. Because the starter spins over faster the engine starts much faster and sounds "funny".
I can say for the ammmeter but the 12 V operates with fewer amps it should work OK.
From what I have read though its better to use a volt meter rather than an amp meter with a 12 V system.....like the 12 V cars went to after several years.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731 |
I know you probably already know this, but a one wire alternator is the only way to go.
Chevrolet
Valve In Head, Ahead In Value
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