The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6v/12v Starter Question

I’m new to Chevys and I’m restoring a ‘55/2 short bed. 12volt electrical system. The 235 engine that is being rebuilt, came without a starter (has flywheel, clutch & bellhousing.)

I have a 6v starter (Delco Remy 1107108) on another earlier 235 engine. I read the 6v to 12v Conversion paper under tech tips to understand whether or not starters need some type of modification and noticed that the author does not mention the need to modify the starter. Through a forum search I see that others are using 6v starters in 12v trucks without any conversion. On-line I found 6 to 12 volt field coil conversion kits for the 1107108 starter. So, I’m guessing that I could do the conversion but it is not essential?

I also read forum posts stating that it is essential to use a flywheel from an earlier 6v I6. I assume that this because the flywheel tooth count is different and the starter & flywheel need to be a “matched set.” Correct?

Thanks,
-Mike

Chevy converted to 12 volts with your truck (1955/2), so if the flywheel wasn’t changed, the 6 volt started won’t work.

What you’ve read on other forums is more than likely pre 55/2 trucks that converted to 12 volts. 6 volt starters work fine with 12 volts as long as the flywheels are matched.

6 volt starter 6 volt flywheel. 12 volt starter 12 volt fly wheel. There is a difference. A 6 volt starter will operate just fine on a 12 volt battery. Just don’t crank for a long time.

6 volt flywheels have 139 teeth (38-54/55 first).
12 volt flywheels have 169 teeth (55 second and up).
The armature on six volt starters is larger in shaft diameter than twelve volt starters (5/8" dia. vs. 1/2" dia.).

Don't cheap-out on a starter for a rebuilt engine.
Purchase the correct rebuilt starter so you don't have to worry about it later.

Got it. This is the info that I was seeking to get a good understanding of what I've been reading.
I'll see if I can hunt down a proper 12v starter in my area. (As a fallback, I just spoke with a local shop that says they do 6v to 12v conversions all the time, and I can swap flywheels when I get to that stage of the process on the 235 rebuild.)

Thanks all for the info.
-Mike

Hi Mike, if it were me, I wouldn't try to re-invent the wheel. Keep the original engine/flywheel/clutch/tranny combo and rebuild as needed BUT use a new or re-man starter that was designed for that truck, just my 2 cents.

I agree. The KISS principle works every time. No reason to add more variables to the equation.

I agree with Otto and Buckshot. Find a rebuilt starter. I would post in “Truck Parts Wanted” forum. I’ve had allot of luck posting there.

Convinced,...I will acquire correct starter. What is the Delco Remy number? Delco Remy 1107???
On-line I've seen '55 starters with a solenoid vs a starter switch. Is that a difference between starters for a car vs. a truck? Or big truck vs. small truck?

Thanks,
-Mike

Maybe this will help. Listing of 12V starters from the 1929 - 1957 Chevrolet Master Parts & Accessories Catalog

Thanks for the listing!

-Mike

klhansen,
On the listing, what does the “HT” and “D-D” acronym mean?

Thanks

I will hazard a guess that D-D means Detroit Diesel and HT means Hydramatic Transmission.

While we're at it, What's T.G?

If you start your truck with the floor operated pedal, you need the starter with a switch. If it’s key operated, you need the solenoid.

You'll also need a starter with a solenoid if you use a dash mounted push button associated with the key. In other words, you need the solenoid with any starting method except the floor mounted stomp pedal starter. Also, if you use a starter with a solenoid, and want to start it with the key switch, you'll need a key switch that has an on position plus a start position. The original 47 thru 53 key switches don't have that feature. They are simply on or off.

T.G. is TurboGlide. Chevy's attempt to make a PowerGlide automatic shift more like a Buick DynaFlow.

I believe the D.D. stands for double-duty. That is GM's way of indicating stepvans. They use a solenoid type starter.

George