8 volt in 6 volt system

[Willard M.]

A friend who has old (pre 56) Fords always puts a 8 volt battery in to run instead of the 6 volt, claiming easier starting, brighter lights, etc. He has not had any problems so he claims. I'm considering doing the same for my 54, a car that is used as a driver. Anyone have any experience with this substitution or any comments?

Bill #2659

[Peter K.]

Re: 8 volt in 6 volt system

Prior to restoring my 54 I had put a 8 volt battery in my car for the same reasons. After restoration I have always used my 6 volt, don't see much difference, if at all. For what it is worth, when I bought my 54 about 10 years ago, it had a 12 volt in it, everything still worked and everthing still does, but I probably wouldn't reccommend it for lond periods of time. I would just buy a good 6 volt and not take any chances.

[Mike M.]

Re: 8 volt in 6 volt system

put an 8 v battery in my 49 chev in 61--started a little bit better but the 8 volt battery sent inappropriate message to voltage regulator and the generator wouldn't charge. had identical results with 8 v battery in my 54 vette when i restored it in the early 80's. good 6 v battery will start a properly tuned 235 , especailly if the car is run daily. good luck, mike.. P.S. i had way more trouble with the generator on the 54, especially the year we drove it from maryland to the nat convention in anaheim,calif. took two extra generators and had to use both to get back home.think the problem is inadequate ventilation of the generator which as you know is just under the exhaust manifold. after the ole 54 completed its ncrs judging days, installed a 6 v alternator and 20k miles later its still a trouble free charging system.

[Terry M.]

Re: 8 volt in 6 volt system

Mike,
I recall the midnight generator swaps on the road tour to Bend. I seem to remember that it took considerable help from the beast to accomplish.

[Peter K.]

A-Men to That!!!!!!!!! *NM*