Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,084 Posts1,056,083 Members48,434 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | 
#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
| | |
#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 | | |
|
|
