The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Engine Start Up Box Build Advice Needed

Hello Folks - I am really in need of some help on the fabrication of a simple engine start box for my 1954 235 and undertanding what I really need to have on it. Attached is a schematic I will be working from.
The engine is freshly rebuilt and in the bare car frame ready for first start up. I will have mechanical temp and oil pressure guages. A 12 volt generator is installed on the engine but will not be hooked up in any way to the electrical system. I am converting to a 12 volt system with standard points and coil to start with.
So it comes to building this box - which I have attached a schematic provided to me. The schematic shows a ballast resistor. I am converting from a 6 volt to 12 volt so the car did not have a BR origionally.

Question 1 is - I assume I need a ballast resistor since I am coverting to a 12 volt system correct? Any suggestions on what ohms rating I should look for when going to NAPA??

Question 2 - wiring size or gauge. Should I run 12 guage for all the wire or any recommendatinos on what wires should be a different guage.

Any ohter suggestions, comments, or advice you may have would be appreciated.
I am REALLY out of my comfort zone on this part and do not wat to have a catastorphe right at tht start!!!

I really need help.
John

[IMG]http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/chevyguy54/corvettebox3_zpsd571f942.jpg[/IMG]

You don't need an "engine start box" to start the engine. I'm assuming you just want to start it to break in the cam. No ballast resistor is needed for that. You will need one on the truck when you drive it. All you need now is a wire with alligator clips on each end. Size doesn't really matter but I'd go 14 ga or larger. Clip one end to the battery post on the starter, the other on the + side of the coil and depress the start lever.

what Cletis said, and don't worry about 'ohm rating', just ask NAPA for an ignition resistor for a 55-59 truck, 6 or V8 .... also make sure there's water in the rad and keep your fingers outta the fan

Bill

Thanks for this information - no need for the ballast resistor at this point it seems so will not worry since will only be running the engine for the 1/2 hour or so for initial break in.
Can't wait to start this thing up!!!
Best,
John