VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum 31 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck

Just bought this 1931 1 1/2 ton pickup and need all the help I can get I have started it but it is a bit of a chore any help is appreciated. Ran down the battery a few times already, thoughts on changing to 12 volt?

Help, all new to me.

If the engine will not start on the original 6 volt system I doubt if converting to 12 volts will work any better. You might be able to crank longer until the battery runs down.

Focus on the basics. Whenever we had an engine that would not start my Dad said his Dad always said “It’s either the spark or the gas!”

Hi JD1960

I have several 6 volt vehicles.
Some of them still on active duty on the farm.
Every one of them is just as good and just as reliable as our 12 volt systems.
For that reason I personally wouldn't even think about converting any of them.

Just my thoughts. :-)

PS
How long it will crank is much more dependent on the size of the battery (reactive plate area) than the voltage of the battery.
A big 6 volt will crank longer than a medium size 12 volt.

Replace spark plugs, points and condensor. Check the outer end of the rotor button and electrodes inside the distributor cap for build up or burning, replace if not looking good. Start and warm the engine then adjust the carburettor idle mixture and idle speed will often fix that problem.
Tony