VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 1954 conversion 12 v and install A/C

Hi everyone,
Returning Life Member -- was off for a long while recovering from a stolen 1927 AA Coupe, so we found a very nice 1954 Chevrolet 210 Coupe. We are really planning on touring hopefully and going on our own for weekend trips, etc.. Living in Florida, we really could use an A/C.
Question is -- should we convert to 12 v first, then add A/C or will the old 6 v(mine is 8v) system with a 6 V A/C unit work just as well?

Any and all opinions, advice or referral will be appreciated :)
Thanks

Glad you are back with us.

Obviously there will be lots of opinions about 6 or 12 volts. Many of us do just fine with the 6 volt systems.

I expect that your decision about voltage will be heavily influenced by your intent to add air conditioning. I have not done any research but I expect there limited choices for 6 volt ac systems. Plus you need to consider the additional current required to operate the compressor clutch, possibly an extra cooling fan, and possibly a stronger blower motor to give adequate air circulation.

Just a note to consider. This got posted in the '55 to '57 section. I just happened to catch it.

Thank you Rusty,

Probably too rapid fingers posting. Thanks for posting. our '54 starts and runs great on the 8volt (seems to turn over quicker than the 6v) that was on the car when we bought her. There are a couple of places that will install 6 volt A/Cs but I'm concerned that would overload the old girl's electrical system, hence thinking if 12 v then it solves a lot of issues. I do know that without A/C in Florida and the Southeast where we drive mostly, there will be some times we won't go in the heat.

Thanks,
Rod