'54 electrical system

[Wayne Kever]

My wife's '54, originally 6V, has been converted to 12V. I'd like to have it back to 6V for originality, on the other hand we do enjoy driving it and I would hate to do something that reduces the fun. Some people say that 6V is just fine, no problem. Others say you get slow cranking when starting (hard enough to start already when cold) and dim headlights.

So, the question is, go back to 6V or not? Primary emphasis with this car is fair weather cruising, but it would be nice to be able to get Second Flight without driving points.

- Wayne

[Wayne Kever]

Re: '54 electrical system

Forgot to ask in original post: What happens if you need a jump start with a 6V system? Assuming, of course, that there is not a garden tractor handy to get a jump from :^).

- Wayne

[Chuck G.]

Re: '54 electrical system

Hello Wayne; No question that 6 volt systems are tough to crank, especially when hot. It might be tougher than you think to "unconvert" the system. I had a 55 Thunderbird a few years ago that had been converted to 12 volts. It had numerous "resistors" placed in just about every circuit to step down 12 volts for cranking to 6 volts for accessories, like the radio, heater, etc. I've seen combination batteries with a solenoid on the top, which when activated, puts 12 volts to the starter, and then runs everything else on 6 volts. I've had no experience with these. An old "hot rod" trick from the 50's and 60's was to have a battery maker fabricate an 8 volt battery....more juice to crank, and the accessories will take the extra voltage. My 54 Corvette, after much work, cranks fairly well on 6 volts. I always carry a can of ether for insurance, however. Never tried "jumping" my 6 volt with a 12 volt battery. Doesn't sound like a wise idea. Chuck Gongloff

[James F.]

Re: '54 electrical system

Wayne, I have a feeling that you could achieve a Second Flight on your 12v '54. Judges would deduct for the 12v battery (maybe partically deduct if it was of the same mfg.), the generator, regulator, starter the headlights. I probably forgot a few other details. The generator might be possible to be made to look like a 6v verson (tag), I don't know. During Mechanial judging as long as the part is just sitting there looking correct, same goes for the regulator and starter, there should be no deduct. 6v or 12 v to the Operations judge shouldn't matter. It either works or it doesn't. What happens when you jump start a 6v car with a 12v car. Other than the engine spins a lot faster and seems to fire up a lot quicker, not much. Disconnect the jumper cables ASAP. Others with more judging experience may take issue with the above. Listen to their wiser council.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: '54 electrical system

Secrets to the 6-volt system's success are primarily in reducing any areas of resistance that the electricity will encounter in it's trip through the car. Good grounds (this means breaking through that super-tough paint on the frame!) as well as the use of the correct size battery cables ( 0 gage or larger) will help. This applies to both positive and negative cables. As for jumping a six volt system with twelve, the major concern is that all 6-volt accessories (and LIGHTS) be shut off. I ran an Olds racer some years back that had been converted from 6 to 12 volts but kept the 6 volt starter. It worked well, and the extra cranking speed this setup provided started the engine quickly enough that the starter didn't suffer any problems over the 4+ years we ran the car. (Drag cars get started a LOT) By the way, the Corvette Starter is a special construction starter to help the old boy crank on 6 volts. Make sure you use the genuine article if you convert back.