That is certainly a case to speed up the 6 to 12 V conversion Julie. I also read on page 350 " BATTERY LOW CHARGE,...Indications pointing to this symptom are: slow cranking, hard starting ( not a problem here, however, the next line) HEADLIGHTS DIM AT IDLE SPEED....was what was the "norm" for this truck was prior. So, according to the HOLY SHOP MANUAL my past dimming situation was an indication of a battery low in charge. So,.. can one conclude that the present absence of that symtom is an indication of normal operation? The only past problems I have had with starting this old boy have been fuel/ carb related. It has flooded and I cranked it a bit to get it started but not a regular thing.
I am going to do the GEN output test and the quick check ANGUS mentioned.
I got some extra cash so maybe I will get the parts together to do the 12V upgrade. If nothing else, this has got me back in the swing of tinkering after the winter blahs. Tinkering always seems leads to good improvements.