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| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | I just bought an all original 1951 chevy 3100 (216 cid) that runs. After finding out that the battery was dead, i have removed the battery, start charging it. I thought it was interesting to find out that my charger automatically switches to 12v when charging. I think that the guy i bought it from put a 12V battery in order to drive into my garage. The truck still has reverse polarity (positive ground) Would this have messed up the electrical parts in the truck? lights, etc.
Thanks guys! I wanted to drive the truck at least once before i start my rebuild. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | How many cells in the battery (how many caps/opening in the top, if there are any)?
What brand/model battery charger do you have? Are you sure it is indicating 12V rather than 12 amps?
Chevrolet trucks had 6v negative ground through mid-1955; GMC trucks had 6v positive ground (in 6 cylinder trucks through 1955).
I think that 6v bulbs would not have worked for a long time in a 12v electrical system.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | But they'd sure be bright. 
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | There are 2 caps with 3 openings under each on the top of the battery. There are no stickers or labels on the battery other then that date of 8/11. As for the negative ground, you were right, the wires crossed in an area that i didn't see.
I am very greatful for all assistance since i have never worked on anything this old or planned a vehicle rebuilt a to this extent. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
6 openings make it a 12v battery
See if you can find a number/code on the headlamps.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | the only number i can see on the front side is 320 at the top of the lens. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | The number of the bulb is normally on the reverse. <EXAMPLE>
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | I will try to get it today since i couldn't do it while babysitting yesterday. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | Well, it states directly on the back of the headlamps that they are 6V | | | | | Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 15 | Also, take a look at your generator/alternator. A generator should have a tag stating the voltage, while an alternator will usually be 12v but there are 6v alts. You could also have a 6v system converted to 8v (generator only) the best shade tree way to tell is to round up a 12v bat. with a couple dead cells, get the truck started with it somehow and see how much the generator tries to charge to. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,234 | Thanks, i will try that one next. I will be converting it all to 12V when I take it down to the frame. | | |
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