VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Suggestions for 12 volt starter??

As best we can tell, the starter on our 1949 Chevy 3100 pickup is bad. We are converting to a 12 volt system so want to buy one that works with that. What kind should we get for a 12 volt system? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks y’all!!

Most people continue to use the 6 volt starter after the conversion to 12 volts.

What is causing you to change to 12 volts?

Heard a lot of good things such as lights being brighter, no need for the regulator., etc. Sounded like an upgrade that doesn’t take away much from the truck but could be convinced otherwise I guess. So the 6 volt starter will work on a 12 volt battery? Thank you!

The 6 volt starter will work fine on 12volt while you dont crank the engine for a long time, The 6 volt system works well while all contacts are clean and wiring in good condition.
Tony

You will still need a regulator with 12v but it most likely will be a different type. You will need new lights and protect your 6v equipment such as gauges. You can get led 6v lights someone on here may know the source. I would get more opinions before making the switch.

Dave

I think the reference to no regulator refers to using an alternator. I switched my truck to a 12 volt generator system to get better headlights and I am pleased with that. The 6 volt sealed beams on rural roads at night were no match with the brilliant lights of today’s vehicles.

Every thing you change adds to the car/truck being modified. It is easy to slide along this enticing, convincing slippery slope until you have so many newer modifications to the point that you may as well buy a modern car and have it all. The only thing is that you have left the preservation and restoration further and further behind for the sake of more modern conveniences. Then if anyone asks you if your car is original or as came from the factory you have to name a long list of changes that you have done to it. That is, if you want to be truthful to the inquirer.


As already said if your vehicle has a good working system there is no need to modify anything and that includes the voltage.

Best,

Charlie

If you have ever faced oncoming modern headlights on a rural road at night , you would be know that it is difficult to see with the 6 volt sealed beams immediately after they pass. If the modern headlights are behind you then you end up driving in a large shadow.

If the sealed beams present such a problem such as not being able to see after a set of modern light meet you then your sealed beams may be burned or not on.

As to the shadow, if the lights from behind are properly focused then I don't see a problem that would warrent the 12-volt lights just to counter the offending shadow.

I would need a better reasons to change either of my 41 to 12-volts. Heck the old 6-volt sealed beams is what we used to use to spot deer. Was too!

I'm speaking of the 51 here not the old 38 headlights. That year (38) and earlier years should not be driven at night anyway. Too unreliable. You know.

Keep the 6-volt system. It's not worth the change and problems with which you'd have to deal. Just saying.

Best,

Charlie

they make rebuild kits to convert your starter from 6v to 12v !!

Thanks for all the replies! Now I’m throughly confused! ???? I guess there are good arguments for both 6v and 12v. I am looking at safety first as my eyes aren’t what they used to be at night and also our inexperienced grandson may be driving it some. But I also respect and appreciate the originality of the engine as it is. However I think my husband has already purchased a battery and is set on changing it to a 12v.
So if I’m understanding correctly, we can keep the 6v starter even with a 12v battery and alternator, (alternator replaces the generator) ?? Still learning here...Sure don’t want to put the wrong things together and mess up tge engine someway.

Your 6v starter will be fine.

Thank you!

I found the change quite simple on my 51 truck. I used a 30 ohm 2 watt resistor in the supply to the gas gauge for the 12 volt conversion.regarding my 38 Master, it is still 6 volt and the headlights have halogen bulbs that fit the original sockets and provide excellent lighting. I purchased the bulbs from Bill Hirsch. They are rated at 35 watts on low beam.

Changing sealed beams from 6 volts ton12 volts means they go from
35 watts to 60’watts. The halogen version of these is superior.

Thank you. Husband purchased a 12v battery and is going to test it the starter evening. I read many older models used a positive ground. Can you please tell us if Chevy used this positive ground electrical system? Also if do, does that mean we have to reverse the polarity? Do not want to ruin a good battery or starter. Thank you!

Thank you. Husband purchased a 12v battery and is going to test it this evening. I read many older models used a positive ground. Can you please tell us if Chevy used this positive ground electrical system? Also if do, does that mean we gave to reverse the polarity? Do not want to ruin a good battery or starter. Thank you!

GMC was the only GM product to use positive ground.

Ok thank you! I never heard of that before! Glad I asked!

Thanks so much for the info!!

The GMC buses used positive ground on 12 volts up into the 60s.