The Stovebolt.com Forums Home | Tech Tips | Gallery | FAQ | Events | Features | Search
9 - 11 Memorials

Searching the Site - a click away
click here to search
New here ??? Where to start?
Click on image for the lowdown. Where do I go around here?
====
Who's Online Now
2 members (baldeagle, 1 invisible), 90 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics128,018
Posts1,055,340
Members48,419
Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026
Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums
Brad Allen's photos

AD Chevy Trucks

Pictures galore
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!

Big Thanks!

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!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#851292 05/13/2012 7:36 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 100
D
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
D Offline
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 100
I've been driving about happily in my 1941 Chevy pickup for 3 years now and other than some basic servicing it's been reliable, fun and a real conversation piece.

http://www.dalbuie.com/41_Chevy_Diary_3_files/shapeimage_1.png

When I got it out last month (I put it away over the worst of the winter as we have salt on our roads!) the 6V battery was pretty weak and despite my best efforts I think it's time for a new one.

A 6V battery costs £120 but a 12V only £55 so my dilemma is should I convert to 12V given that I need to spend the money or should I stick to 6V?

I believe the starter is OK on 12V so as far as I can see I'll need an alternator, some bulbs and a 12V-6V convertor for the fuel gauge and heater fan.

What the the Pro's and Con's of the conversion - what would you do? Any advice welcome.



For those who believe, no proof is necessary.
For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.

41 Chevy
Dalbuie #851348 05/14/2012 1:15 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,983
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,983
If you are happy with the truck, spend the extra 65 quid. Sounds like the last battery lasted at least 3 years?


Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
bartamos #851354 05/14/2012 1:38 AM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269

Or, save 5 pounds and get this Optima 6v battery. I have had one for 7 years and another for 5 years.

I do not take them out of the truck for the winter and I do not even charge them after winter hibernation - they stay in the truck and start it right up in the Spring.

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 100
D
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
D Offline
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 100
Thanks


For those who believe, no proof is necessary.
For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.

41 Chevy
Dalbuie #851435 05/14/2012 2:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,377
T
Ex Hall Monitor
Ex Hall Monitor
T Offline
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,377
I use a 6v Optima in my '38 as well.


Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
Tiny #851875 05/16/2012 10:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 291
G
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
G Offline
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 291
Stick with the 6V in my apinion. But if you must here is a site to look at for 12v conversion

http://www.adchevy.com/techtips/12v_conversion/

good luck


1959 Chevy Apache 3100/ 283 TBI / 4L60E

My YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/mikebtte
Dalbuie #851887 05/16/2012 1:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 835
K
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
K Offline
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 835
I also use a 6v. Optima. But even better, I keep an "intelligent" trickle charger connected if I'm not driving the truck. It will not overcharge the battery.

Beware that if you completely discharge an Optima battery, your battery charger will not charge it. You have to connect the Optima in parallel with another 6 v battery for an hour or two until it begins to take a charge. Then you can put the charger on it.

Kurt

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,321
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,321
Dalbui,
Here is the Tech Tip site for 12V conversion.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/12_volt_conversion.html
Harold


Harold
Is a restoration ever finished?

Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Home | FAQ | Gallery | Tech Tips | Events | Features | Search | Hoo-Ya Shop
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0