The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6v versus 12v

What are the pros and cons of 6 volt and 12 volt systems? Can a 6v be converted to a 12v? Will the wiring looms and hardware handle it? What trucks were 6 and what were 12 for 1955? Why did they switch on newer models? Anybody do a conversion but try to keep the truck looking all original? I know all of the crate motor guys and digital dash guys are all going to say how easy it was but I just want to keep this truck original with the 235 but if a 6v system is not going to let me drive every day, I want to look at switching it out somehow with other available parts from 1955 chevy. Kind of period correct but not for a museum. I just want to drive but keep what's on the truck mechanically 1955. Nothing fancy. Chrome alternators and flex fans with anodized goodie-goodies are for 1985 iroc's. Just keep it simple and have some fun for not so much money.

welcome to the garage zombie, 12V started with the 55 2nd [for Chevy] - there's nothing wrong with 6V as long as it's well maintained - it's also easy, and "visually correct" to convert to 12 .... the 6V wiring is heavier than that used for 12V, so it'd work fine, just need to add a couple things to prevent frying things like gas gauge, heater fan and radio

look around the electrical forum, it's well discussed from various viewpoints ... also see the tech tips section, where you'll find step by step on it

Bill

The first series 1955 models were 6 volt, the second series were the first of the 12 volt Chevrolet trucks. A 1955 1st series is not a particularly common model, so I would keep it original if it were mine. There is nothing wrong with 6 volt systems, but you have to keep the battery terminals and cables clean. But you have to do that with 12 volt systems, too. I don't know the production numbers for '55 1st Series trucks, but I'm sure someone here can provide the number.

The switch to 12v systems was primarily driven by increasing electical loads. With 12v systems, you can use smaller wires and lower current for the same power requirement. Smaller wire means smaller and maybe cheaper wire harnesses. That idea was the motivation for moving to 42 volt automotive electical systems a few years ago, but that movement fell apart (or lost power, if you like) a couple of years ago.

There has been a lot of information posted here on 6v-12v conversions. Do a search on the topic, and you will find enough reading to keep you busy for quite a while. But I would keep the truck original if it were mine.

Harvester

Zombie;

Red is right, 6V works fine when maintained and the heavier gauge wires are used. The disadvantage is dealing with bulbs and 12V accessories you may want.

I once parked beside a '30 Ford at a cruise in. When it was time to leave, his battery was dead and there was no one who could boost him, everyone else was 12 volts.

nothing wrong with boosting 6V from 12, just have to insure everything is turned off [including the 12V vehicle], and be quick - actually in the computer age, more likely to damage the 12V system

Bill

It is completely possible to convert to 12 volt and keep your original generator and starter. I do these conversions all the time to original generators. The field coils and armature have to be changed out on the generator to convert it to 12 volt and in most cases a 12 volt voltage regulator can be installed that looks just like the original. When I restore/convert to 12 volt I install a new Delco 6 volt ID tag on the generator with the original 6 volt numbers, so when you look at the generator there is no possible way to tell it has been converted. Its also possible to increase the amperage output on the majority of the Delco generators. If you have a stock 25 amp unit they can be pushed up to as high as 45-50 amps with the correct combination of armature and fields. Of course you have to have the correct regulator as well. If you require more amps than that then your looking at going with an alternator.
There is nothing wrong with the original generator system in 6 or 12 volt if the unit is built and restored correctly with the correct new parts.
Ken

I think that you should convert to 12 volt unless you want to keep it stock. Radios, hot lighting, air conditioning, all that good modern stuff is 12 volt. I don't think you should try to use the old generater. Get a good alternater with a built in regulator and forget the old regulator altogether. Then, when you start adding electrical goodies in the future, there is no problem.