1954 starter moter

[Dan Loranger]

after driving my 54 vette for 30 minutes on more in temp above 60 and below 80 the car will not restart. the starter moter will not crank. after cooling off for several hours it will restart without problem. how can I fix this problem?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 starter moter

Dan-----

My recommendation: install a slave (or remote) solenoid. You can buy complete kits at better automotive stores.

[Dan Loranger]

Re: 1954 starter moter

Joe, thanks for your input on the 54 vet starter motor.I will look into that right away.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1954 starter moter

Ah, the joys of a 6 volt electrical system. I would remove the starter and take it to a good shop. Check for short circuits within the field coils and the armature. You can also ask the shop to install "high torque" field coils. If you live in a rural area, most farm machinery today is 6 volt, so you shouldn't have problems getting the parts. I had similar problems with my 54 starter. After 3 or 4 tries, they found a 2 volt short within the armature. 2 volt loss in a 6 volt system is a lot....aggravated more by the high temperatures and notoriously slow 6 volt cranking. Also, check the battery and check the cables and their connections. You should be using the huge diameter positive cable and the braided ground cable. I believe the cable is designated 2/0. It's as thick as your thumb. If you use a 12 volt thinner cable, you'll have problems too. Hope this helps. Chuck

[G B.]

Once you've tried 12 volts...

you'll never go back.

The conversion will end the hard starting, dim headlight, fouled spark plug, and hot cranking problems in your car. Personally, I don't consider the early Corvette 6 volt system reliable enough for everyday driving.

Conversion requires replacing the battery, coil, voltage regulator, generator, cigarette lighter, horns, relays, all bulbs, and the flasher. If you've installed an electric wiper motor, you will have to change it out too. The radio, clock, gas gauge/sender, and ammeter must be professionally modified to work on 12 volts. The heater fan motor can be kept on 6 volts by installing an in-line resister. The starter w/solenoid, wiring harnesses, distributor, and dash switches are okay as-is for 12 volts.

[Dan Loranger]

Re: Once you've tried 12 volts...

Jerry, thanks for the input on the 54 vett starter problem. I don't plan to drive the 54 much and I am hoping that I can solve the problem without switching to 12v.

[Dan Loranger]

Re: 1954 starter moter

Thanks for the feedback on the 54 starter problem. The motor has had a recent rebuild and I believe its okay. I will look into the battery situation and replace the cables as you suggested.

[Larry M.]

Re: Once you've tried 12 volts...

I own a 54 vette and did the complete body off restoration and put everything back to factory original specs. This was about 15 years ago and I could not drive this 54 with its 6-volt system without fear of it not starting when the engine warmed up. I decided enough was enough and had Jerry Bramlett convert it to a 12 volt system. My 54 vette has never ran better-it cranks rapidly every time, runs great, lights do not dim, does not misfire, etc etc. I can now drive this car anywhere anytime. I saved all of the original and reproduction parts for the 6-volt system but I do not plan to go back to 6-volts. The conversion to 12 volts is not that expensive either. If you want to really enjoy driving your 54 I recommend you convert it to a 12-volt system. I also tried everything under the sun to make this magnificent car run properly when it was 6 volts and never had much success.

[Dan Loranger]

Re: Once you've tried 12 volts...

Larry, you make a strong argument to go to 12v. I also have a frame of 54 restoration, It sure would be nice to have confidence that it will restart after a short or long touring trip. I am not very handy in that area. Could you give me a range of how much it would cost to convert to 12v?

[Larry M.]

Re: Once you've tried 12 volts...

Don I will estimate the parts cost for you and send you an email. Most of my 54 parts were bought at Carquest Auto Parts here in Mobile. I do know the parts were not expensive at all for the conversion to 12 volts. I know that I do not plan to go back to 6v at all with my 54. I truly love it now and will drive it anywhere. It cranks like a hearty V8.