Converted my 1949 3600 to 12V a few years ago and kept the 6V starter. Unfortunately, the 6V starter is on its last legs intend to replace it with a 12V starter. Any recommendations on a source for a 12 volt?
Last edited by Peggy M; 07/25/20246:05 PM. Reason: added more info to the title
A 6v starter can be used with a 12v system without any problems.. Just don't hold the key for long time if it doesn't start in a few seconds.
Switching to a 12v starter will require a new flywheel since 6v and 12v starters have different gearing.
Have the old starter rebuilt. There are a lot of qualified rebuilders. I'm sure there is an old time auto electric place up there in Detroit that can rebuild your old one.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
I had funny noises in my 6 volt starter years ago and solved them like this.
Still working well on 12 volts now.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
A six volt starter will turn the engine over faster than a 12 volt starter believe it or not. If the bearings and brushes are in good shape, they work fine last long time. I drove my 3100 all the way across a level parking lot with the key off. I mashed the stomp starter, let the clutch out gingerly in first gear and off I went. I couldn't go fast enough to shift into second before I ran out of parking lot. Starter survived just fine.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Thanks everybody! Didn’t realize the fly wheel would have to be changed also. I will look for a rebuilder in my area. What would I do without stovebolt.
If there's nobody local, NAPA can get a rebuilt starter with a good warranty overnight in most areas. Just be sure to specify 6 volt. (1954 or earlier) There's a difference in the angle of the pinion teeth and the diameter of the armature shaft from the 12 volt units. The 6V has a shaft about 5/8" in diameter, while the 12V models are close to 1/2". If the original ID tag is still there, 12V starters have a red tag. 6V ID tags are black. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Yes. I bought a brand new a starter from NAPA for $79 last December. I kept the original 1949 one because I thought it was worth more than the $19 core charge. Maybe I'll rebuild it someday.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
