The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6 to 12 volt conversion

Hi all. I'm new to this forum (and my 57 Chevy 6400 Dump) and am looking for your expertise and advice. My "new" truck still has the original 6 volt system and I'm told I should update to 12. The battery is an old 12 volt I assume installed just to sell the truck and needs jump started to run the truck. So...I guess my question is this. Is it worth it to update to 12 volt. Approximately how much am I looking at spending and what components need changed other than the generator and starter? I intend to use the truck in my business but will restore it first before I put my business name on it. Other than a carburetor rebuild it runs quite well. Thanks in advance for any input.

Mark

1955 started 12 volts in Chevs, so no conversion needed.

Guess I showed my ignorance real quick then. Was told it a 6 volt system since it has a generator. 2 things I hate (1) Plumbing. (2) Electrical...other than welding that is. Ok, 3 things. (3) Bad information to make me look stupid I saw a You Tube video (from this forum) on swapping out a 235 generator for altenator. Mine has a 261. Any idea where to get a mounting bracket like the one on the 235 video?

After this I'll pester the guys in the carburetor

A generator was used up to 1962, maybe some 63's.

Mark,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

You'll be amazed by what well meaning people advise you about these old trucks. "Those flathead engines were great."

If you have not done so already, get a 1957 Shop Manual, Operator's Manual, and wiring Diagram (type [i][b]1957[/b][/i] in the Search Box).

This is a large Specifications Manual that has a large amount of information on all 1957 model trucks (it is a large file to download).

You can get this bracket at Classic Parts Of America. alternator bracket

You can also get a shop manual for truck,they're very useful.I believe you will want the 1957 shop manual . manuals
You can also look a these manuals online at Old Online Chevy Manuals look under Chevrolet Shop and Repair Manuals.

Tim


Tim

Before you jump into switching the gen for an alternator, take the generator to an auto electric shop and have it tested. May just need brushes. A local shop charged me $65 for new brushes. Works perfectly. You can replace them yourself and save, but sounds like you have a lot on your plate with your new truck.

Or could be a problem with the voltage regulator. Here are some Stovebolt posts regarding voltage regulators ...
> Post 1
> Post 2

Don't "hate" wiring. It's about as simple as can be. Juice goes in one end of the wire and comes out of the other. Just track the wire and see where the juice flows.

Keep asking questions on the Stovebolt. There are some really good auto electric guys here. Good luck.

All,
Thanks for the feedback. I will be ordering all available manuals for the truck before I begin any work. Main things to do are replace leaking seals, rebuild carb and body work. As far as the generator, it's operating just fine (I assume) but I again was informed to update to alternator. Not sure why. By the reply, I'm assuming I should keep the generator instead. The battery is 7 years old and I know it needs replaced. Thanks again guys.

Mark

It is not something you have to do. I swapped mine cause I was using more electrical stuff then the generator could handle Such as electric fans and what not. Run it as long as it works for you.

Good luck.

Mark,

You are doing the right thing by asking here about things you were informed. If the same person who suggested that you change to an alternator is the same person who suggested you change from 6v to 12v, you should be wary of further suggestions (just listen politely and do as the British do in such situations, just give a friendly/polite nod and say "indeed").

GrandpasTruck has the right response. If your generator is working fine and you do not need more amps, stay with the generator.

I'm off to get a new battery and carb kit tomorrow. Ordered all the manuals I could find on Classic Parts on-line. Thanks again gentlemen.