C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

[Randy G.]

Is switching the 53-54's from 6 Volts to 12 volts a big hit during judging? Probably a dumb question, I know, but is it the wrong thing to do?

Thanks.

[Roy B.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

NCRS= YES
you like it =NO

[Robert S.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Question 1 = Yes.

Questions 2 - the wrong thing? Depends. Why are you considering changing to 12v? What are you trying to acheive by doing so?

[Randy G.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

My wife and I have been looking high and low for a Pennant Blue 1954 or 1955 and the seller of a 1954 we found just had it converted to 12 volts. He said it was harder to start, lights were dim, and amps too high with 6 volts. The seller also points out that the 1954 Pennant Blue that sold at the BJ auction in Florida for over $220,000 was also converted to 12 volts but that means nothing. The goal for us is to find a very correct car to make a part of our family without paying off someone's beach house to do it.

[Roy B.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Your seller most likely had a bad ground condition, but if your happy , that's all that matters

[Robert S.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Randy, if the car you have found is already 12 volts and the misses likes it enjoy!

IMHO the story about changing to 12 volts because the 6 volts are hard to start is bull. When I first got my 54 I had to use ether to start it when cold until I rebuilt carbs and got the chokes adjusted correctly. Now it starts right up. About the only lights that are dim might be the head lights compared to today's cars but not by that much. I've seen high-intensity lamps for 6 volt systems, so that could be an option.

If your intent is to have the car judged, you would lose quite a few points but if everything else was 100% it might still make Top Flight. Of course, if you wanted to convert it back to 6 volts it would depend on how and what was modified.

[Randy G.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Bob and Roy:

Thanks for your input. I wondered about things like the radio working, guages and stuff like that, too. When I found out it was converted to 12 volts I almost felt like it was a deal killer for me.

[Mike M.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

the 6 volt 54 radio would have to be modified for 12 volts, or a 55 radio substituted, or a 12v to 6v reisitor utilized . the 6 volts fuel sending unit would probably not work on 12 v. rest of gauges should function ok. all light bulbs would have to be changed to 12 v as well as coil. old 6v starter will last a long time if duration of cranking is kept to a minimun. mike

[Randy G.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Thanks, Mike.

[Chuck G.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

Hi Mike. Do you remember the combo 6-12 volt batteries? Years ago, I remember the batteries with the solenoid on the top. It was a normal size battery, but was made in 2 halves...2 6 volt batteries together.

With the ignition switch in the "ON" position, the gauges, etc would run on only half of the battery...6 volts.

With the ignition switch in the "START" position, the solenoid on top of the battery would click, connecting both halves of the battery, making 12 Volts which would go to the starter for cranking.

Anybody else remember these? Chuck

[Mike M.]

Re: C-1 1953-1954...6 volts to 12 volts??

chuck: i too remember the bi-voltage batteries when i was a pup. as i recall, they were about twice as expensive as either a 6 or a 12v battery. rather than spend the $ on the combo battery, we simply ran a wood screw thru the top of the battery into the 3rd cell and connected all 6 volt items(radio and heater motor) to the wood screw.imagine showing up on a NCRS Judging field today with such a setup? mike

[Joseph T.]

Rare 12 volt 54 fuelie

Mike..LQQKIE...here is the very rare..12 volt 54 fuelie

Joe