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| | | Forums66 Topics128,054 Posts1,055,782 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 | I have a 53 1/2 and would like to put a new radio in. What is involved in changing to a 12v and what are the benefits? Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Depending on the power-draw of your radio, 6v-to-12v converters are available ($50-$150 or more). Stovebolt.com has a good Tech Tip on 6v to 12v conversion. If you are going to want to use a lot of 12v accessories, the 12v conversion would make this easier. If you want to stay more "original equipment" and you will not want to use many 12v accessories, 6v works fine, as long as you have the correct size battery cables and ground straps (and clean connections). 12v requires lower-gauge wiring, so your 6v wiring will work fine in a 12v conversion. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 | So a 12v battery will work on a 6 volt battery? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | So a 12v battery will work on a 6 volt battery? ?? Do you mean 12v radio with a 6v electrical system? Yes, with a 6v to 12v converter. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 | This could be the answer. I have a 6 v system. I would like a radio-12v. Trying to decide if I should change truck to a 12v battery ( and all that entails ), r/r 6 v generator with an alternator ( and all that entails ) or you are saying I could use a "6 to 12 converter" . That would seem the easiest/ least costly. My intention is a rebuild to drive around town and would like a radio. Thanks for your advise! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | You can get original 6v radios.....if you don't mind receiving nothing but AM. This is the working 6v in my '38.
Last edited by Tiny; 04/07/2013 5:27 PM.
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: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 | Nice. Where did you get yours? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 26 | I see Ecklers Chevy parts has a power booster 6-12v for $100. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Scott60,
What is Eckler's part number for the "power booster"?
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | Nice. Where did you get yours? I got mine on ebay. You can also find 6v to 12v boosters on ebay.
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.
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