The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Properly set up 6 volt system

Here is a little video I made showing what a properly set up 6 volt starting system should sound like when cranking, hot or cold

This is a great video and a good demonstration of how it should work! Nice work.

Thank you for the nice compliment! When set up right, it works very nicely

Welcome to Stovebolt Bolter2 Great video and a nice little Chevy as well. You are right, when everything is done correctly, there should not be any problems. Six volt systems were around for a long time. That is what I have in my '53 3100. Steve

I have been running 6v. systems since I bought my first car in 1970 - a '53 Chevy. Presently I have a 6v '51 burb and a '51 John Deere tractor. Both start and run like in your video.

I think most of the bad rep of 6v. systems comes from:

First;the fact that many of them have not been maintained, they are old and worn out, like your starter was.

Second; 6v batteries don't sell often and if you don't check the date of manufacture code when you buy one, you are likely getting a battery that has been on the shelf for a year and it will never take a full charge.

Third; terminals and connection to frame/ground strap are corroded/dirty and 6v will have a problem overcoming the resulting resistance. That's about the only real original downside of a 6v. system, but of course it is trivial to take care of.

So, a system in good working order, good battery and clean connections. Really, that's all you need, and how is this any different than a 12v system? Of course a new 12v system is going to work better than a worn out dirty 6v system with an old battery, but as you point out, the fix of the old system so it will run like new is MUCH cheaper and easier than doing a conversion.

Good job on the video and nice lookin' car.

Kurt

I've been running a 6 volt system for years with absolutely no problems. Of course, I can't plug a GPS into it, or any of several 12 volt based items, but unless you want them, the 6 volt system is fine.

I'm glad the video didn't go much longer, or Bolter2 may have suffocated himself on exhaust fumes.

This 6v to 12v converter should power a few modern electronic devices at the same time.

This inexpensive converter would power a GPS device (you'd need a connector socket, etc).

Kurt,

Based on posts by people with weak 6v systems, I'd bet that first on the list would be to be sure you that you have 2 gauge or bigger power cable and ground cable, with clean connections (and, I use conductive, anti-oxidant copper-containing grease at the connect points).

Yeah, If the cables have been replaced with the wimpy 12v type, no starty for you.

That's also why I have two sets of jumper cables. I hook 'em both up in parallel if I need a jump. Really helps with 12v systems also.

Kurt

My friend who manages a dismantling yard has given me a 2 gauge jumper-cable set from a big truck. Walmart also sells a 2 gauge (supposedly) set.

I just recently made a set of jumper cables. I went to the welding supply store and bought 1/0 cable as advised on this board. They really work well.

What did you use for clamps?

Kurt

Good question Kurt. The clamps have to be able o handle the diameter of the cable and the amperage of the current draw.

Good clamps are expensive. Here is a set where both ratings are given. Here is another, at a higher price.

Thanks for all the compliments on my video and my 51 Styeline Deluxe, I have learned a ton on this forum. I closed the garage door only to keep the street noise down while making the video. I have been a mechanic for over 35 years, so I am well aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. This is a great forum, thanks folks!