The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6 volt to 12 volt conversion

I am a new member and need your help and advice. I have a 1948 Chevy Pickup. I converted the system to 12 volt and it eventually burned out the points. Put new points in and a resistor.
What do I need to do to make it really drivable? I want to be able to jump in and drive it like any other vehicle. I don't want to have to raise the hood and bypass the resistor when starting it.
Do I need a new coil, distributator etc? Any advice is appreciated.

Also has anyone replaced their front end with a mustang 11 front end? How much difference from the cheapest kit to the more expensive independent suspension kit? Should I go cheap or go more expensive?

One last question, replacing the rear end with a higher gear for a little more speed. I found a 1948 chevy car rear end will it be suitable to replace the current rear end.

Thanks for being patient with me. I inherited the truck from my brother and want to make it drivable so as to remember him, I don't want to let it sit in a barn or garage and fall apart.

I am also a new member so be gentle!

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

Mike,

Welcome to the Stovebolt. In regards to the ignition and how to bypass the ballast resistor I would suggest this. Your truck should be equipped with a stomp starter...probably! There is a aftermarket starter switch that has a bypass terminal on the side. The starter switch is the little box on top of the starter with the big button and BATT terminal on it..not the key switch.

This means that when you turn the key ON, or the truck is running, the ignition is getting reduced voltage which saves the points and coil, BUT when you are pushing on the starter during a START, the ignition gets full voltage for hotter spark and supposedly easier starting.

That little terminal is wired to the coil side of the ballast resistor OR to the coil + proper. It's only powered when you mash the stomp starter.

The alternative is to dump the resistor and install a internally resisted coil. Good luck!

Stuart

Stuart, thanks for the info! I was wondering what to do sound like it won't cost very much to make the change!
I really appreciate the help!
Mike

Mike, search the forum here. There are tons of guys, and gals running different front ends. There are others with lowered stock front ends. And those like me, who run stock. The whole gambit is covered, and everyone gets along, which always amazes me. In fact, its one of my favorite sites ever. Lots of info to search. Plus, look through the gallery for stuff you like, and often, you can contact people directly.

Keeping it on the road is the objective.

Thanks, I will search the forums to see what others have done. Looks like people have done just about everything!
I appreciate your reply!

Mike,

"What do I need to do to make it really drivable? I want to be able to jump in and drive it like any other vehicle. I don't want to have to raise the hood and bypass the resistor when starting it."

Think carefully about what you want to accomplish, and your level of skills, and/or your level of $$$.

Is cruising at 55-65,
and reliable starting,
and no special electric accessories,
and reliable braking your primary goals;
or,
is cruising at 65-75,
and reliable and adequate braking,
and adding modern 12v accessories your primary goals;
or,
do you have other primary goals?

Tim

I put a Pertronix Ignitor in my brother's '65 Chevy Pickup . . .made a brand new truck out of it! (except for paint maybe!) It mounts in the distributor and converts to electronics instead of points. Amazing difference.

Craig

Cruise 55-65 is goal with good brakes.
My skill level is zero. I'll have to pay to get it in that kind of shape. The old truck is in such good shape I want to drive it. It sat 30 years in my fathers basement garage before my brother restored it.It has a rebuilt 55 chevy engine in it, so it is in excellent shape.
So looking at disc brakes-mustang front end, upgrade the rear end so I can safely drive it on interstate when necessary without being afraid of being run over.Hopefully it won't take a ton of money and I'll have something road worthy.
In summary, front end $1,600 to $2,500, + labor mechanic told me it is bolt on? rear end hopefully labor $200, and internal resistor? I also need a new battery.
Am I dreaming and should I just park it? Not rich but if I don't get it done now, I have a few years before retirement, it won't ever get done.

Welcome. You are not dreaming. Everything you have mentioned has been done thousands of times. You seem to have a pretty good initial estimate on costs. Good luck.
Jeff

Post your suspension and rear end swap questions in the Hi-po forum. There's plenty of guys there who've done it.

Tony,
If I can do a 6 to 12v conversion, then you can.

Wow that is one great looking truck! I always liked the green color!

Your truck looks great! Don;t give up so easily...look at my flickr page and then decide how long your road is compared to mine. LOL