Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
8 members (DadsFirstPickup, Jaison, Nick in Manitou, NJC, Wayne67vert, TooMany2count, Mike in Sycamore, Bill Hanlon),
79
guests, and
3
robots. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,137 Posts1,056,747 Members48,454 | | 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!
| | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 | Hi there,
I am considering going to the Pertronix conversion kit for my 6cyl '54 Chevy truck. Is there any downside to this...or any good/bad experiences from anyone out there that have/had this?
Thanks,
Carlos | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
Carlos,
I have used a 12v Pertronix unit on a '54 Chevrolet truck for over 10 years and a 6v Pertronix unit on a '54 Chevrolet truck for over 7 years. Both with no problems. I use a Pertronix coil on the 12v system with no need for a ballast resistor.
Make sure you buy the unit that is appropriate for your truck (6v vs 12v).
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 | Thanks TC. Am I okay to use my current 12v coil or should I buy the pertronix one along with the distributor? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
If you use a separate ballast resistor with you coil, I think that Pertronix advises to continue to use that ballast resistor. If you coil has a resistor built-in, just use it.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,096 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,096 | Yeah, I'm a fan , I have pertronix in the chevy and the bedford. No worries  | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | I used a pertronix for my 54 for 7 years and no problem. i just received one for my 1960 mga, have yet to install waiting for the new cap and wires to do it. Ron
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 71 | Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it. I might go with a new Pertronix coil to keep it consistent, and because my current coil advises to use with an external resistor.
Cheers,
Carlos | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 | I am running this as well. They work great and I have heard only good about them. Just cause I worry a lot I keep the old points in the glove box. But the pertronix has yet to fail me.
| | |
|
|
