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Fixing the old truck

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Joined: Dec 2010
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I am starting to mentally work out my engine swap and I need to use the bellhousing and flywheel from my 1945 truck. I have decided to convert the truck to 12 volts seeing as my 261 has all the pieces and is set up for it but I don't think the starter will mesh with the old ring gear if my research is right. Is there a 12 volt starter that will match up or can I get my 6 V starter rebuilt as a 12? Can the gear on my 261 12V starter be changed over to the 6V starter gear?

Anyone of you have installed a later model stovebolt into a 40's era bigbolt truck and can tell me about any other details I might need to know?

The good news is my water pump / fan looks like it will clear the radiator just as it is.

-Mike-


1945 Chevrolet G 506 1.5 Ton Military 4X4
1967 Jeep Cj5 with 283 SBC
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Extreme Gabster
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If you are using a 12V flywheel you must use a 12V starter. The gear on your 6V starter can not be exchanged for a 12V gear.

A 6V starter can be converted to 12V but still must use the 6V flywheel.


"It's just a phase. He'll grow out of it." Mama, 1964

1956 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100
1953 Chevy 6100 "The Yard dog"
1954 GMC Suburban Now with a new proud owner.
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The starter conversion to 12v maybe the way to go then. I have a 12 volt flywheel and clutch pack but I won't know until I take everything apart if the later flywheel and clutch pack will fit in the early bellhousing and if wiil except the early type throw out arm and throw out bearing.


1945 Chevrolet G 506 1.5 Ton Military 4X4
1967 Jeep Cj5 with 283 SBC
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Riding in the Passing Lane
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You dont have to do anything to a 6 volt starter to use it on 12 volts. It will work better & last longer useing 12 volts.


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super
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Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret.
You dont have to do anything to a 6 volt starter to use it on 12 volts. It will work better & last longer useing 12 volts.


Thanks, I didn't know that !


1945 Chevrolet G 506 1.5 Ton Military 4X4
1967 Jeep Cj5 with 283 SBC
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Yep, just run your old starter with 12V.
I as well as countless others have done it for years and years with no ill effects.

Grigg


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
---All pictures---
"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-
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I've been using a 6v starter after a 12v conversion for 30 years now, no problems.


No one said it was going to be easy

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