Before the mid 1950’s almost 100% of cars and light trucks came from the factory with 6 volt electric systems. This was even on larger cars: Packard, Lincoln, Cadillac, Chrysler, etc.. Some even had 8 cylinder engines with accessory heaters and multi tube radios. Even the first year 1955 Ford Thunderbird (the pride of their fleet) had a 6 volt with their new 292 V-8 engine!
Starting the engines on these vehicles, even when cold, was not an issue or the manufactures would have done something to stay competitive.
THEREFORE, WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN TODAY’S WORLD?
These are the exact same vehicles that usually start with much slower engine turnover. A beautifully restored vehicle is often an embarrassment to the owner that has spent so much time and effort to make it just like it came from the factory. So many throw up their hands, and with the advice of their friends, add a 12 volt system. That Was Not Necessary!
Adding the 12 volt battery is the easy part. Installing this system is NOT. Other changes MUST be done:
- The fuel gauge in the dash must have a voltage reducer. It instantly will ruin on 12 volts.
- “All” light bulbs must be replaced with readily available 12 volt units.
- Ignition points. Most all engines with 12 volts before electric ignition systems operate with 6 volt distributor points. So a protective voltage reducer “must” be added nearby.
- The starter! This is the BIG ISSUE! It is doubtful you will ever find a 12 volt starter that will fit the attaching holes on your 6 volt bell housing. If you do, it still will not work! Sorry, the 12 volt starter drive has a different number of teeth than the ring gear around the flywheel
Thus, leave the starter as is! It will turn the motor faster for a quick start, but not use it too long or it will ruin from overheating.
YES, THERE IS AN “EASY” NON-EXPENSIVE SOLUTION!
Don’t do what most all modern day restorers and auto parts stores tell you or have not even heard of. After all, it has been 70 years since 6 volt systems were used on new vehicles. This is before most today were even born!
THE ANSWER:
All 6 volt batteries must have “Double Grounding” to give more current flow to preform like a 12 volt. This grounding is how they came from the factory!
HERE IS THE SOLUTION TO ALLOW YOUR 6 VOLT VEHICLE TO START JUST LIKE WHEN IT WAS NEW!
- You need TWO ground cables. One from the battery to the frame (the small unused frame hole should still be there) and one from the ear of the starter to the frame (probably still your ground).
- Most important: You “MUST” have a double thick group #1 insulated cable from the battery to the starter. It is doubtful you will ever find this at an auto parts store. They only stock the smaller gauge 12 volt cable. Totally incorrect for 6 volts!
3. Now, go out with no worry having fast starting 6 volt vehicle by adding these three cables.