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#73321 02/16/2007 2:37 AM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 | I have a 235 that I am planning to put in my 58 Apache LB. When I bought the truck it had a 350 installed which I swapped for the 235. 1. How can I tell if the generator, starter and other electirical components are 6 volt or 12 volt? (Now stop laughing, I admit that Mr. Electricity and I do not get along :mad: ) I plan on installing a complete new OEM spec wiring harness(s)  2. Was 6 volt or 12 volt standard from the factory? :confused: 3. If 6 volt was standard and I wanted to go to 12 volt, besides the generator, starter, lights, radio and heater motor, what else do I have to change? :confused: 4. What are the pros and cons of keeping the generator or converting to an alternator? 5. What are the pros and cons of 6 volt and 12 volt :confused: Thanks for you valued input and opinions  | | |
#73322 02/16/2007 2:57 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 | Bob,
GM switched to 12 volt in 1955 so your 58 will have a 12 volt system. You did not state what year the engine came out of, it is possible that if it was installed in an earlier vehicle it could have 6 volt components. Look to see if there is a tag on the starter & generator.
I upgrade all of my older vehicles to alternators but it is a personal choice, there are still many trucks running generators and they work fine.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
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#73323 02/16/2007 3:28 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,158 | The tags on a 6v Gen and starter will be Black, the tags on a 12v will be red. | | |
#73324 02/16/2007 4:20 AM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | ditto above, and if the generator/regulator system is working, no reason to scrap it, but when either part dies, it's worth looking at an alternator, which will last longer then a generator with less [no] maintenence - my 57 still has a generator, working fine, my 58 has an older externally regulated alternator
Bill | | |
#73325 02/16/2007 7:11 PM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 | Thanks guys. I believe the 235 I plan to install is out of a 59, so based on info you all provided, it should be a 12 volt system. I will ck color of tags. The truck has a new voltage regulator and coil from when it had the 350 installed, so I will probably try to stay w/generator unless I run into something.
Bob | | |
#73326 02/19/2007 6:50 AM | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | The alternator voltage regulator will not work with a generator.
Paint & Body Shop moderator
A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | |
#73327 02/19/2007 7:14 AM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | yeah Bob, what 4ontheFloor said - did the 350 have an alternator with the external regulator? or was it "retro" with a generator?
Bill | | |
#73328 02/19/2007 8:57 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 | You could leave the 6 volt starter in it;the engine will start a lot easier in cold weather.
Speed | | |
#73329 02/19/2007 11:34 PM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 99 | 4onthefloor and Red58: Thanks for info. I checked the 235 it the gen and starter both have red tags, therefore 12 volt. I am going just from 4 year memory and believe the 350 had an alternator but do not know if the voltage regulator was internal or external. There is a new black square voltage regulator mounted to the fire wall. Would this be marked somehow as to be used with a generator or alternator and 6 or 12 volt?.
Thanks to all,
Bob | | |
#73330 02/19/2007 11:57 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | JD Bob,
If your previous engine, the 350, had a alternator which used the regulator on the firewall...a external regulator, that regulator should have four terminals marked F,2,3,4.
This regulator will not work with a generator. The proper regulator for the generator would have three terminal usually marked BATT, GEN and 'F'.
I don't know what markings would indicate a 12 volt regulator, but neither of the previous engines would have been 6 volt.
Stuart | | |
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