The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay When was the switch over to 12 volts?

(I'm still wondering!) Can someone tell me when the 1/2 ton trucks were first produced with 12 volt systems? I have heard '55. But if so, was it with the beginning of the second series? Or was it not a set date at all? (I have a mostly restored '54 3100 which is 12v, but no way to reach previous owners who did the work.) I'm wondering if they might have put in a complete engine starter etc. from a later model? Thanks a lot.

Chevy Duty has these original pictures on its weebsite (for '55 2nd series Chevrolet Trucks). My guess is that all '55 1st series Chevy trucks were 6v. Tim

[img]http://www.chevyduty.com/truck-years/1955-2nd/title.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.chevyduty.com/truck-years/1955-2nd/ill.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tclederman:
[qb]Chevy Duty has these original pictures on its weebsite (for '55 2nd series Chevrolet Trucks). My guess is that all '55 1st series Chevy trucks were 6v. Tim

Thanks Tim. That certainly makes sense. (I tried to check the serial number on my motor today, to see if that would date the motor. It has no serial number! The casting looks like it was milled,but no numbers, or letters. Ever heard of that?
Thanks again, Fred

Fred,

I have seen a truck (mine) with a 1954 truck engine that someone had ground off the engine serial number/ID that was pressed into the ledge to the rear of the distributor. However, the block casting number (upper right behind the starter motor) is still there and it has a '54 number.

Tim