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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 96 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 96 | Is it worth while to convert my 1950 3100 from a 6 volt system to a12 volt system
Last edited by Coltonk; 01/14/2020 3:51 AM.
Colton Kenshol
Hermiston, Oregon
1950 Chevy 3100
216 Motor
Mostly Original..
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 |
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,439 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,439 | You will soon hear both sides of the story here... but in MHO in the long run it is worth it.
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 325 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 325 | Mine is 6 volts, it works well for me, and I have no plans to change to 12 volts. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 | Yes, this question has been asked hundreds of times here on the Bolt. Do a search using the search button just above your post. Do not use the one at the top of the page. Be prepared for hours of reading. Everyone has their personal opinion and every one is essentially correct for that person. I’ve done both over 55 years of driving experience. Each had its issues both good and bad. For a daily driver my choice is 12 volt except for keeping the 6 volt starter. ðŸ›
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Right now I have a buddies truck in my shop, it is getting a 235 R&R. His is 12 volt, course mine is still 6 volt.
I will know for sure very soon. But I am inclined to believe the starting the engine ignition and starting motor is well served by a full 12 volts, more so if going to a HEI, which seems like a slam dunk if you are going 12 volt in the first place.
Steve
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If a 12 volt starter replaces the 6 volt starter(not necessary) then the appropriate 12 volt flywheel needs to be installed.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I changed my 1 Ton to 12 volts for better headlights. I have reflector headlights with H4 bulbs. They light the road like a much more modern vehicle. They look almost identical to the original sealed beams. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 96 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 96 | Thanks... I was wondering why I could not get the search results for just a specific forum..
Colton Kenshol
Hermiston, Oregon
1950 Chevy 3100
216 Motor
Mostly Original..
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 | Yeah, the search at the top is basically a Google search and is useless as far as I’m concerned. The Stovebolt only search is much more helpful when looking for a site specific post(s).
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Has anyone installed H4 6v bulbs?
I will try them in my '54 pickup, if it ever gets done.
"6V Motor White Bulbs Car H4 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb 56 SMD Hi/Low kit"
"Lumens: High beam: 800LM"
If I put them in my Suburban, I will report back here.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,272 | I converted my first very original truck to 12 volts because I grew tired of the "I think I can, I think I can, and then a dead battery" whenever i tried to start it. Not long after the conversiont, the starter quit on me. I had it rebuilt and enjoyed the much faster engine speed when cranking.
The truth of the matter is that if I would have had the starter rebuilt prior to the 12 volt conversion, the conversion would not have been necessary in the first place.
Last edited by 52Carl; 01/15/2020 4:24 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | I had the same sequence of experiences, Carl I had switched to 12v (in the late '60s) because: - everyone said to do it - starting/cranking was slow (and getting slower) Many years later (early this century) after a total restoration: - cleaned all grounds - installed correct 6v size battery cables and ground straps (0 or 00 cables & straps) - installed a Runtz-style voltage reducer into the fuel gauge - got the starter rebuilt by a pro That was over 15 years ago. The only time that I have a problem starting is at night when I forget which direction to turn the ignition switch.  | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 | For me, switching to 12-volts is right up there with radial tires for my daily driver.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
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