The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Floor start to key start-how to do it?

Id like to change from a floor starter to a key starter on my 1953 chevy 4100. It currently has a 6v system but Im going to convert to 12v. What do I need to add or replace?

you'll need a 6 volt starter for a key start vehicle. If you get a starter for a 12 volt vehicle you'll have a missmatch between starter and ring gear on flywheel. You'll need a starter switch designed for key start or a push button to power starter seleniod to engage starter. You may want to post this question in electrical bay also. you will have to run a hot wire from key switch to push button then to starter selenoid.

You shouldn't have a problem running a 6 volt starter with 12 volts. My family has done this for years on our Model T's with no problems. They will spin faster which is nice for starting a stubborn engine.

The 6v starter will work just fine, a 12v much better, but you will need a 12v solenoid, or a voltage drop for a 6v solenoid after you convert to 12v. COE and automobiles used remote starters w/solenoids.

Are you planning on key start switch or a push bottom mounted on the dash?

As stated above to use a 12v starter you have to change the ring gear on the flywheel. I believe a 6v ring gear is 139 teeth and 12v ring gear is 168 teeth.

And if memory serves me correctly a 6v starter has a 10 teeth on the drive gear and a 12v has nine teeth.

... thanks for asking this question, i would like to change mine too.