The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6V or 12V?

Background: I have a '54 3600 with the original 235 engine. Just recently got the truck up and running (thanks to these forums) and am enjoying it. I do have lots of things I'd like to do the truck over time and will need lots of help as I am a newb.

I am thinking of updating to a 12V system and am curious what y'all think? What are advantages/disadvantages of a 12V system. Also 12V generator or alternator? Finally, I believe the truck is still a 6V system, but am not sure how to tell.

The only reason to go 12V is for power seats, windows, mega-watt stereo, etc.

Is there now a 6v or a 12v battery in the truck?

I see no advantage to converting to a 12v system. You can still buy 6v batteries, bulbs, radios, heaters, wipers, gauges.

Yes 6v does not charge much at idle. Though you do not need to idle and should not idle for prolonged times.

For once We agree Charlie!
Good 6v battery, good charging system, good solid clean
connections and proper grounding, keep the engine tuned and
you'll have no trouble with starting, running or lights.

If you have a need for 12v supply, such as a tach or moderate
output AM/FM stereo, then a 6v to 12v voltage booster is
simple to install and relatively inexpensive.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/139692811
dg

Pretty sure it is a 12V battery. Looks like from Walmart.

How many cells/fillers in the battery (if it has fillers)?

Does the battery have a part number?

12 vs 6 question thoughts.

While at time the 30, 40, and early 50's cars and truck were produced the 6V system was perfectly adequate. And in talking add on loads even then the 6v systems are able to provide.
I do remember working around my Grandads garage as a young kid, and seen a mocked up 6V winch on a truck. Of course at the time it looked to me the cable to the second parallel battery and then to the winch looked as big around as my wrist.
6v systems can power anything with large enough wiring, adequate generator size and enough battery current.
On the other hand the military found the voltage pressure of 24 volt made for more power with smaller wiring and more punch in starting in the harsh conditions.

But the key to manufacture change is wire size and loads. With the primary area of concern in late 50's lighting and safety. Candle power needed to increase for better night driving at increasing speeds and better lighting for rear to approaching cars. While one could increase wire size and current. MFR went to 12 to provide the boost.

A simple view is if your restoring a show truck or weekend only driver without plans to make freeway trip or heavy city driving leaving the period adequate 6 volt system is the best one can do.
But if your creating a daily driver that will see freeway or fast hiway, bright city night driving or even unknown farm roads. A choosing to provide the 12v allowing increase lighting ability should be a choice examined for benefits vs cost of change.

IF the battery has the 6 cap holes of the 12v. I would also look for part numbers on your regulator and your generator and coil to check for 12v versions versus 6v.

Thanks for all the great info. Battery is a 12V. Says it right on top after wiping it off. For now, it is used a daily driver for my 3/4 mile commute and general around town. Truck tops out at about 50mph so no freeway or long trips. Eventually, I would like to have gears changed (?) so I could take it on the highway.

As for long term plans, still trying to figure that out... So many different directions one can go with these great trucks.