What are the pro's and con's in upgrading a neg. 6 volt generator into a pos.12 volt alternator? Would a 6 volt alt. be enuf for just lites, heater, wipers, horn, and engine? Thanks-JH

 

It would be enough for just the basic electrical items, such as lights, horn, etc. Problem is that you can't really add any aftermarket accessories, such as elctric wipers, most are all 12 volt. Pros would include ease of obtaining electrical parts, able to be jump started by any car, batteries are easier to find, starter turns faster, which may make it easier for your engine to start. Cons, you need resistors for electric gauges, you have to change all bulbs, coil, battery, etc. It's more of a con money wise, but something that is worth it, in my opinion. But an upgrade to a 6 volt generator is better than a 6 volt generator. There is also a place that is now making an alternator that looks like a generator...so it looks traditional, and has the benefits of an alternator.

 

Another option is an 8volt battery for a bit better cranking power...it doesn't solve the issues of add-ons etc., but does have advantages for cold starts.

 

In my opinion, the 12v changeover is a must. Even in a stock restoration, this is possible, with no visible signs to intruding eyes. (Nuther discussion, nuther day!)

But!, as pointed out before, you have much more available to you with 12v. Your 6v starter will last for years taking 12v. However, if that strikes fear in your heart, there are several starter/generator shops which can build you a 12v starter.

But to the real basics. 12v gives you more "power" for everything. The 6v system is just kind of "soggy", it is sluggish, and tends to drain off quicker. On the road problems are multiplied by the 6v system, because of the lack of availability of 6v stuff at the travelers "service station".

However, it is your truck, and you need to do what makes you happy, and keeps your flywheel spinning. What keeps my flywheel spinning might stop yours!!!

We all need to remember that what we express here are mostly opinions. My favorite thing about the old car hobby is that I get to do what I want, the way I want. In the final analysis you should really care less what I think, about what you have done to your truck.

Does it make you happy? Cool!
Do you like the end result? Cool!
Are you happy with what you accomplished? Cool!

How much better does it get???

If the guy looking over my project thinks I ought to spend $400.00 for a fuel pump, when I only spent $49.95...... Cool!! You hand over the $350.05 difference, plus tax, and I will go buy the fuel pump, YOU think I ought to be running. Right!!!! If he knows better than I, I'll be happy to do that, assuming he wants to pay for his better idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My hotrod happens to have starrted life as a half ton flatbed pickup......

I have become kinda attached to it!!!

If somebody else thinks I oughtta have a pickup bed on it???

Cool, go buy me a pickup starter project, and it will be the next thing on my build list.......

We all got opinions. You build your truck the way YOU want it. I will enjoy seeing your truck a lot!! There will be things I might have done different, so what......... There will be things you did, which i think are brilliant....... Cool!!

The whole deal is to get it done so that we can go somewhere, or meet somewhere and have a great time discussing how different, but the same we all are.......

Enjoy

Dick

 

My opinion, these days Front Disc Brakes, and a 12 volt system are a must if you plan to drive vehicle on a regular basis especially at night.

Rod

 

I agree whole heartedly for the safety of our vehicles. Front disc brake upgrade, 12 volt conversion for the ease of finding parts and working on it, sealed beam headlights.

My 12 volt conversion I did after vapor locking on the side of the road, then running the battery down trying to re-start. I did the conversion and added an electric fuel pump, then of course a fuel pressure regulator. I also converted my guage package, and rewired the entire truck.

But then, these are things that please ME, and while the truck 'appears' stock on the outside (for now), the safety and reliability are MUCH better than when I acquired the truck.

 

Nice 41, I sure like that Flathead. I'm thinking of replacing my Flathead 6 with an 8 and T-5 in my 51 when I can afford it.
I had two 40s back in the early 70s. I remember a Fireman had a boat that something happened to the HP Flathead in it. I got the engine from him it had a 3/4 cam dual carb intake, all the goodies. I put an engine together and got it running, it sure seemed to have a lot of torque. I never drove the truck with it in before selling it, always wish I would have.

Rod

 

I'm building this truck for the wife.......I found and bought a nice T-5 tranny for it, and as soon as I brought it home i got ......"Well, ya know.......an automatic WOULD be nicer". Soooooooo I located a 302 C-4 combo and bought em both. I'll use the C-4 on the flatty, and rebuild the 302 in case the flatty ever 'gives it up' !

 

Yeah I hear that, back in 2001 I came accross a black 1980 C-3 Corvette. The wife was so mad at me for purchasing it she wouldn't even go with me to bring it home. Later I changed jobs and the place I work is next to a high school. My Vette started getting too much attention and I asked the wife to drive it so I could take her 87 Accord to work. Soon after she started washing the Vette every day. And now she won't even let me drive it, I just get to work on it. That's why I have the truck now, I have moved on.

How much did you give for that t-5 if you don't mind me asking. My 4 speed crash box is on its last legs and I need to start looking soon.