6 Volt battery
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 319
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From: Sacramento
6volt battery
In my town (Sacramento), the chain auto supply stores don't stock them, but the larger "battery supply" places do. Lots of old farm tractors still use 6volts, as of course do old cars. My last one was $56, two weeks ago.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 53
From: Coatesville, PA
I got mine at Tractor Supply company, it might be a little smaller but it works for me. I think it was about $35. I also found them at PepBoys on the shelf for around $70. I am undecided yet on converting to 12 volt so the cheap 6 volt was good enough to get me running for now.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
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I am starting to think about converting to 12volt after seeing what battery prices and availability are. The pros would be that I could get a cheap battery, use my battery charger if required, cheaper and available elec. parts, ie coil and such. I guess the starter and generator would be the cons for converting. Any thoughts or ideas?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
If your wiring is in good shape, keep the 6-volt. It's cool and retro. I bought my last 6v battery in 2006 at a place called the battery shop. The Batteries Plus store also carries them. I think they were about $45. Even Kragen carries them in the back room. Good luck, Jag
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
FYI: 1948/55 6 volt batteries can be either group 2L or 2N. The 2N's (originally) had more cranking amps.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
John -- I see you're new here -- Welcome! We prefer that posters give us some basic information like what year truck they're talking about, whether it's stock or not, etc. It would also help to know where you are so we can suggest places near you.
Converting to 12v is a frequent topic here, and if you search on "12v" you'll find many many threads on the subject. You don't need to change your starter, but there are alternatives for dealing with gauges and alternator or generator. Wiring changes are also needed. I made the switch to 12v because of constant problems with the 6v system. I have not regretted it for a minute! Expect to spend about $200 all said and done, at a minimum.
Converting to 12v is a frequent topic here, and if you search on "12v" you'll find many many threads on the subject. You don't need to change your starter, but there are alternatives for dealing with gauges and alternator or generator. Wiring changes are also needed. I made the switch to 12v because of constant problems with the 6v system. I have not regretted it for a minute! Expect to spend about $200 all said and done, at a minimum.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
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From: NM
My system voltage was all over the place; couldn't pin it down to either the gen or the reg, both seemed to be set correctly. Naturally the battery didn't last long under those conditions, and even tho I had no trouble finding a 6v battery (stocked @ AutoZone) they cost as much as a really good 12v battery. Couldn't run any modern accessories, trouble finding 6v bulbs, yadda yadda yadda....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
John, A new regulator at NAPA runs about $20. Get one that is not riveted together. Some brands have screws that hold the cover on. These units can be adjusted. What year is your truck? Is it stock? Do you have a repair manual for it? Is it possible the problem is that you have not polarized your generator? The manual tells you how to do that and the setting of the three contacts in the voltage regulator. How much voltage are you seeing when the truck is running? 7.2v is about right. Please tell us the simptoms of your problem. Jag
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
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Well, easy, the main problem is it's missing a generator and regulator. Truck, 49' is original and I am at the point were I need to decide whether to go 12v or 6v. I love original things and usually never stray from that BUT, I also like to pay for parts at a resonable price. I would think that if I went with a 12v system, I could get more bang for the buck, ie CCA's, and still keep the original battery size( we can thank import cars for that one). I good thing that was mentioned was the difficulty getting 6v bulbs. p.s. do you have that p/n for the 6v regulator at napa and it is solid state or relay type?