1954 6 volt starter
Is the starter for a 54 Vette the same as a 54 Chev passanger car? I know it will fit but are the specs. exactly the same ( bigger coils etc).?
Thanks,
Ted
Thanks,
Ted
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
Ted,
My older parts books shows that the 50-54 pass w/PG, and 54 -55 Corvette (6 volt) were serviced with the same part number 1929912 (1108035 on n/plate). The NCRS spec guide shows two different 54 starters depending on when our car was assembled. The 53-Early 54 starter (two coil design) was 1107109, with the 54 Late 55 6 volt four coil design (entered production Feb 54) as 1108035.
Lynn -
Re: 1954 6 volt starter
Great info. Does anyone know if the four coil starter has any more zip than the two coil. My reason for asking is I am disappointed with my starter, which has been rebuilt but still lacks any zip. (2 coil)
All connections are with the proper gague wires.
Does anyone know where one can purchase a new or remanfactured 6 volt starter that would be to correct specs, none on e-bay or local parts houses?Comment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
Ted,
I can only assume this may have been the reasoning behind going to a starter with more coils. I would suggest speaking with someone directly at a starter/alternator rebuild shop if you have one in your area. I think not only can they do a "stock rebuild", they may also be able to "juice it up" without losing any of the original appearance (if your starter is original and numbers matching for your car). I am not 100% certain of this in this application, but I seen it done with some of the later model components.
LynnComment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
The local folks just rebuild with over the counter parts. Does anyone know of a shop that might "juice up" 6 volt starters.
Also where might one get the specs. to put a meter on the starter to see if it is performing as it should?
TedComment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
The 2 coil starter has a history of tending to be weak.It can be built with aftermarket "super torque"fields. This is a substantial improvement and does not alter the appearance.The stock 4 field unit also tends to be slightly weak, and can also be upgraded. Make sure you have a fully charged "healthy" battery,and that all your wire connections are clean and tight.Comment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
FWIW, AND not to detract from John Pirkle, who does a marvelous job on all of his restorations..............................
Let me say that when I owned my 54, I had the same problems. I had a local electrical shop rebuild my 2 pole starter with 4 Hi Torque field coil windings. They also "tweaked" the armature somehow.
I lived in a fairly rural area in Maryland, and to this day, a lot of agricultural equipment is 6 volt. So....check around. You might find a "local" to rebuild and tweak the starter for you, one who has access to 6 volt "stuff".
You might begin by calling some farm supply places. You can also buy extra "hot" 6 volt tractor batteries, which just happen to slip right in to the 53-4 battery tray. They're not cosmetically correct, but they work well. I used to buy them from Southern States.
The high torque 4 field coil starters will make a difference.
Chuck1963 Corvette Conv. 327/360 NCRS Top Flight
2006 Corvette Conv. Velocity Yellow NCRS Top Flight
1956 Chevy Sedan. 350/4 Speed Hot RodComment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
Sounds like the high torque coils is the way. Thanks for all the info.
I have also tried the 8 volt tractor battery, it works well when fully charged but the charging system would need to be adjusted to keep it fully charged, which I am reluctant to do.
Thanks,
TedComment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
Make sure you have the correct battery cables. I have seen many that are too small a gauge for the 6V application.
You need a 1 AWG positive cable. If you not going to be judged you can get one at NAPA. If you are going for judging I may be the only one that makes the correct cable as pictured in the Judging Guidelines. Note: The "exact" cable sold by a popular supplier of 53-55 parts is far from exact.
On your negative cable make sure to sand/scrape/grind the paint off the contact area as indicated in the AIM before you bolt the cable to that grounding point.Comment
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Re: 1954 6 volt starter
The NAPA part number is 711431....I wrote it down from a previous thread on the 6v battery cables. As I recall, there was a lengthy discussion on the need for the 1 AWG cable and many people who experienced weak cranking as a result. TimComment
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