Okay, as most of you know, I'm changing to a 1958 235. I'll be using the 6V starter but was wondering the pros and cons of changing to 12V? I have the gene for 12V. If 12V is the recomendation, use the gene or go with alternator? Got that to. Rick
Not a thing wrong with 6v but batteries are a bit pricier and not always on the shelf at the local parts store. Generators and regulators are also getting pricey, as demand goes down they don't make as big of runs so each is higher. Have noticed the same on points and condensors. 12v stuff can be found anywhere and accessories like radios are also off the shelf. In a word, not necessarily better but more convenient.
And then again~ I know I'm the only one on this post who would leave their lights on in a parking lot. (Or the lovely wife who might drive said truck...) When it comes to needing a jump start, well... I'm going 12 just for that piece of mind. Don't need me (or my wife) blowing acid all over the place because we didn't get that "how to jump a 6 volt battery" lesson down pat. _Not to mention all that cool 12 volt stuff you can now add!!!_
12 v is easy and much more reliable in that you can get 12 v parts anywhere and anyone can jump you off. Your 6v starter will spin faster, just don't keep cranking it without a cool down period. All you need is new bulbs, a runtz filter on the fuel guage power supply, and a NAPA IC64 coil with the internal resistor. And a battery, of course.
Convenience I had considered everything guy guys posted but not the convenience factor. That was worth the question. Most likely will be 12V. Any ideas on Generator or Alternator? I have both. The alternator does away with the need for the regulator but not sure about the mounting or the shieve for it.. Thanks, Rick
Rick ; If you're going to 12 volts , go with an alternator , any old internally regulated one will do . flip the generator bracket 180° and drill one new hole , use a long bolt and some pipe cut to suit to shim the alternator , it's very simple . Use any old junkyard 3/8" sheave pulley that's _SOLID_ ~ no stamped , rivited nor welded ones , they'll do you dirt . *OR* , buy a super expen$ive Hot Rod 216/235 alternator bracket . *OR* hunt the scraps and swaps until you find the elusive 1962 235 as it has a Gen-U-Wine Chevy Delcotron Alternator bracket on it , the engine is worthless but the bracket excells . FWIW ~ I have a '87 Camaro alternator on my 235 , using the original generator bracket that's got about 5 holes in it including one blown with a welding torch by some dufus who was off center.... it was also bent worse than any I'd ever seen but I like a challange (plus I'm a Yankee Farmer = cheap , dig) so I took a BFH and the biggest vise in the shop , dressed it , drill one last hole (on center ! ) and mounted the same crappy junkyard alternator it came with , back on and properly wired it (needs a diode in the # 2 wire to charge @ idle) and LO ! it's been working for many years now...
Twelve Last year I switched to the twelve and very glad I did. Be sure you follow the instructions on this board and read the writings/instructions on the items you install. I installed the coil thinking the parts people would not give me the wrong part, it was not the internal condenser, many problems it caused. The starter works Great. be sure you also check the items used to step down voltage to the stuff you do not have to change. This is the way we start the old 6 v tractors by jumping with the 12v, put the neg. cable on a part of the engine and the other to the starter post where the battery connects. It will crank at once, but no battery explosion in your face. I have yet to change my heater motor to 12 it was not working anyway, and change out the gas sending unit for the tank. I had a new instrument cluster from one of the venders. I’m using right now a generator however I will change to a 3 wire alternator to keep the old look. There is an article in Hemmings about using a one wire alt. and gutting the V/Reg. keeping the look, just can not find where I placed the issue. It most likely is where my extra carb. is for the truck. Hope this helps some.
