1954 Corvette Electrical question

[Theodore K.]

I am working on a 1954 Corvette for a friend. This vehicle has an 8 volt battery. I think the voltage regulator is bad in that it seems to stick and discharge the battery. Othertimes it pegs out the ammeter positive.

My question to the board is: Does anyone have any experience with 6 volt systems where an 8 volt battery is employed? If the voltage regulator is replaced does it require a special regulator or does the 6 volt regulator have to be readjusted for the 8 volt battery or can it just be replaced and left alone?

Any help is appreciated.
Ted

[Roy B.]

Re: 1954 Corvette Electrical question

It's OK to use an 8 volt battery , most people did back in the 50's and you just use the same VR wont hurt nothing.

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1954 Corvette Electrical question

roy: i disagree. tried 8 v battery in my 49 chevy in 1961 and again in our 54 vette in the 80's. neither provided satisfactory charging. doubt things have changed much in last 45 years regarding 8 v battery in 6 v car.. regards, mikie

[Roy B.]

Re: 1954 Corvette Electrical question

Many people besides me did use the 8V battery which did help to turn the engine over faster and I never had a problem keeping the battery charged up. Later guys used a 12V with a relay drilled in to the tar top battery making the starter turn over on 12V and the car run on 6V. Just lucky we were.I guess??

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1954 Corvette Electrical question

The old voltage regulators were adjustable. We just cranked them up a little bit. However now, I would just stay with the 6V and fix the system so that it works correctly. I have had several 6V cars, (two at present) and have had no real starting problems with any of them.