Only thing i would have done differently. Would have went to led headlights. They are a night and day difference and use less power than the old 6v ones did. And are 2-3x as bright as those new 12v ones you got and cheaper. Nice how to by the way..
Thanks , the truck is currently in transit from Dewey AZ to Las Cruces NM , where I am. I will have to check it all out when it gets here !!@@russellnelius
Very helpful. I'm about to do my 48 GMC. I will be using the 6v starter on 12 volts. Volfandt has been using his 6v on 12v for many years with no problems. Thanks
I noticed your Texas plate, I live in WV and my '53 Chevy PU came from Dallas ,Texas area bought on Ebay in 2016. The truck had a rebuilt 216 engine and very little rust, but it was pretty beat up, dents everywhere. I totally restored it and did the 6 to 12 volt system much like you did, and you're right, those kits for the swap are kinda expensive, so I went the cheaper route, single wire alternator, wired to the starter post, bracket for it, gas gauge reducer and a volt meter under the dash. You're right , the horn sounds like a freight train!
Awesome video, greatly appreciate you making and posting this. Couple other vids on this subject but nowhere near as informative as yours! I can read in manuals or forums but actually seeing what I need to do is extremely helpful. Great job on conversion glad everything is working. Definitely subbing and looking forward to future videos.
Great walk through. Covered everything I was questioning. Would like to find a turn signal with cancel. I just adjusted a 51 Chevy that had a signal attached to side of steering column and rolled on the base of the steering wheel. Actually cancels. Can't find new that does the same.
So , I have a question. Is it necessary to change out the wiring harness ? Or can you leave the original factory harness ? I'm new to old cars. Just got me a 1953 Bel Air. Thanks for the video
With the old battery having 4 caps, I believe that was an 8v battery. A lot of old guys ran 8v batteries in 6v cars for a little added cranking power. 6v batteries have 3 caps, each cell in a battery is 2.2ish volts, 3 cell 6v, 4 cell 8v. Personally I like to keep these older cars 6v, was good enough back then to start them even on below 0 days. Many people now convert to 12 volts because they either don't want to learn how the 6v positive ground systems worked or like to run aftermarket stuff. Many times, if a 6v car is having starting issues the cables are the issue. Its best to run big 0-0 cables on them for cranking amps. As far as parts, you can use any old 6v regulator on them, but many people don't realize you need to polarize the generator after rebuild or change, then they get fed up with them and convert. But you did do an outstanding job showing a conversion. I only converted one for a friend of mine and I went about it the hard way lol. Even rebuilt the generator my self to a 12v alternator.
Russell were did you find that bus bar that you used and mounted in old holes? also did you run the white wire to ignition and then to starter? Do I run a third wire to ammeter to get condition thanks for your help.
Hello, I just found your channel today and upon viewing this video one thing that no one has mentioned in the comments that I saw, that was not a 6-volt battery that you pulled out that was an 8 volt battery normally used in tractors and some boats. As you probably already know many folks would put in 8 volt battery in a 6 volt system for much better starting and the rest of the truck would run fine. Good video kit from Vintage made easy work of it. Thanks
I have owned my 54 GMC since I was 13 yrs old. At 15, I put an 8-volt battery in to help crank the freshly rebuilt motor in 1979. I remember having to put a volt meter on the regulator and tweak it up to 8v. The problem I had was I had to change light bulbs and headlights out now and again. Finally, after not starting or running since 1988, I am dragging it out of the hedgerow to restore in my retirement.
Somebody wired that truck wrong. All chevys, even 6 volts, were/ are negative ground. Some 6 volt GMCs were positive ground along with Fords, dodges, imports etc but not Chevys. Anyone doing this conversion absolutely needs to identify which their vehicle is and proceed accordingly. It's best to switch to 12 volt negative ground. Great video anyway. Thanks for sharing.
Hey bud I'm watching this please don't run it to your coil your coil needs to be left alone so all of its power is just to run the engine if you rob power from it. Your timing will change so go to a keyed ignition something might think of they sell a head light wiring harness that will plug into your 6v head light harness but gots it's own relays that will hook up to the battery but uses your original harness to use your factory high low beams they are awesome takes all to load off your factory wires so you don't have a Pretty flame electrical fire just a few ideas good luck looks great
Hi Russell, I enjoyed your video. Very educational. I also have a 1954 stock 3100. It was already coverted to a 12 volt system. However, a lot of the wires are just jumbled and hanging. I want to rewire the truck, and I now have the wiring harness. I only need one 12-6 volt reducer for the fuel correct? The other gauges should work fine, hot/cold amp charge? I am using the original gauges as well. I see several convertion boxes, 6-12 volt boxes on the outside firewall. Are they needed anymore. I want to reduce the mess of wires and gadgets. I look forward to a response. Thanks and happy truckin.
That's right the only conversions needed to step down is the fuel gage and heater. I wanted the 12v bus bar you saw me add in the video but that's up to you
Great presentation. Just got a 1952 3100 in original 6v. I'll be changing it over to 12v soon. Where did you get that buss bar in place of the voltage regulator.
I like your video thank you so much for showing us how to convert from 6 to 12 one thing that I didn't see you doing replacing the starter my question is do I have to replace the starter mine is a 1940 Buick special straight 8 that's when I put the 12-volt battery the starter doesn't work because it's too much power
Found your channel by accident, and worth the watch. Thanks for the information and your time. I'm currently in process of restoration as well. I'm working on a 47' Dodge Deluxe. Are you going to upgrade the brake system to disc w/dual MC?
Hi Russell video was very helpful but I have a couple of questions. 1, did you get the bus port from Vintage Auto Garage? 2, What are the 3 wires you have hooked up to the bus port? 3, Did you have to gap the electronic ignition?
Good morning sir, I did the conversation but my volt meter is reading below 12. My question is when you run the red wire from the alternator to the bus bar is that it? Cause on your video you said to hook up red wire to ammeter but that's where I'm lost. If you can help me out please.
when you put the reducer in for the fuel gauge did you put something behind the screw head. I was about to hook mine up and looks like it will touch the gauge housing, im going to put a gauge insulator on then the reducer.
It isn't necessary to use a reducer on the fuel gauge. I've converted a number of 47-53 Chevy trucks to 12v, and never used a reducer for anything other than the heater fan motor. My 50 3100 fuel gauge has worked perfectly without the reducer for the 31 years I've owned it!
@@russellnelius thanks im looking at a 1951 gmc really good bones but the 12 volt needs doing along with a new rear bumper and some paint. Keep us posted.
There is no need to do this. If you use the CORRECT 1 gauge battery cables, and a Group 2, not Group 1, battery, you will have no starting troubles. And if you want more power, you can use an 8 volt battery, (4 cells). They are easy to find. Even Amazon sells them.
That truck's starting motor uses 6 volts as do other electric components. Wouldn't a resistor for it be needed for 12 volts? Nothing said about starter.
@@russellnelius Strange. I am pretty sure it was not "born that way". Bet is someone was looking up a GMC when they wired it earlier or something like that. Oh well...whatever works huh? Did you learn any more on that deluxe cab chrome and paint treatment?
don't want to rain on your parade but if these old eyes don't fell me I could swear you have a 8 volt battery not a 6 volt too many caps on top of the battery to be 6 volt 6 volt battery only have 3 caps on top now you know I. like your video though
Great, calm and very simply straight forward presentation! Thank you. Wish more would take their time and think out the presentation.
Nice job, clear audio and visual and overall educational. Thanks.
Excellent video
I used used leds from lighthouse 12 volt replacements just for the lighting affects at night , soon will do head and tail led replacements love mine
Great video clear very easy to understand good job thank you
Only thing i would have done differently. Would have went to led headlights. They are a night and day difference and use less power than the old 6v ones did. And are 2-3x as bright as those new 12v ones you got and cheaper. Nice how to by the way..
Thanks Russ , I will likely do this on the 54 Patina truck I just bought
Good luck!
Thanks , the truck is currently in transit from Dewey AZ to Las Cruces NM , where I am. I will have to check it all out when it gets here !!@@russellnelius
Very helpful. I'm about to do my 48 GMC. I will be using the 6v starter on 12 volts. Volfandt has been using his 6v on 12v for many years with no problems. Thanks
Mine is still going
I noticed your Texas plate, I live in WV and my '53 Chevy PU came from Dallas ,Texas area bought on Ebay in 2016. The truck had a rebuilt 216 engine and very little rust, but it was pretty beat up, dents everywhere. I totally restored it and did the 6 to 12 volt system much like you did, and you're right, those kits for the swap are kinda expensive, so I went the cheaper route, single wire alternator, wired to the starter post, bracket for it, gas gauge reducer and a volt meter under the dash. You're right , the horn sounds like a freight train!
Sounds like an awesome journey!
Awesome video, greatly appreciate you making and posting this. Couple other vids on this subject but nowhere near as informative as yours! I can read in manuals or forums but actually seeing what I need to do is extremely helpful. Great job on conversion glad everything is working. Definitely subbing and looking forward to future videos.
Thank you ...great and easy to understand video! I'm going to do a 40 Studebaker conversion.😀
Thank you so much this was awesome I have to do my 49. Big help
What a tutorial! Thanks for the help.
Great walk through. Covered everything I was questioning. Would like to find a turn signal with cancel. I just adjusted a 51 Chevy that had a signal attached to side of steering column and rolled on the base of the steering wheel. Actually cancels. Can't find new that does the same.
Thank you for sheering you video. It's being very helpful to me. I have Chevy Bel air 1953 and I will do exactly the same thing as you.
I have a 54 Belair that I will be converting,
So , I have a question. Is it necessary to change out the wiring harness ? Or can you leave the original factory harness ? I'm new to old cars. Just got me a 1953 Bel Air. Thanks for the video
Good question, use the original
With the old battery having 4 caps, I believe that was an 8v battery. A lot of old guys ran 8v batteries in 6v cars for a little added cranking power. 6v batteries have 3 caps, each cell in a battery is 2.2ish volts, 3 cell 6v, 4 cell 8v. Personally I like to keep these older cars 6v, was good enough back then to start them even on below 0 days. Many people now convert to 12 volts because they either don't want to learn how the 6v positive ground systems worked or like to run aftermarket stuff. Many times, if a 6v car is having starting issues the cables are the issue. Its best to run big 0-0 cables on them for cranking amps. As far as parts, you can use any old 6v regulator on them, but many people don't realize you need to polarize the generator after rebuild or change, then they get fed up with them and convert. But you did do an outstanding job showing a conversion. I only converted one for a friend of mine and I went about it the hard way lol. Even rebuilt the generator my self to a 12v alternator.
Russell were did you find that bus bar that you used and mounted in old holes? also did you run the white wire to ignition and then to starter? Do I run a third wire to ammeter to get condition thanks for your help.
Note: The "old" battery in the truck is an 8 volt - 4 cells.
Kool truck.
Very good video
Hello, I just found your channel today and upon viewing this video one thing that no one has mentioned in the comments that I saw, that was not a 6-volt battery that you pulled out that was an 8 volt battery normally used in tractors and some boats. As you probably already know many folks would put in 8 volt battery in a 6 volt system for much better starting and the rest of the truck would run fine. Good video kit from Vintage made easy work of it. Thanks
You are correct good eye
I saw the 8 volt right off BUT no use saying anything after this long of a time.
Back in the day there was a 6/12 volt batt uses a series parallel switch mounted on battery starts on 12 runs on 6
I saw that also was curious about it
I have owned my 54 GMC since I was 13 yrs old. At 15, I put an 8-volt battery in to help crank the freshly rebuilt motor in 1979. I remember having to put a volt meter on the regulator and tweak it up to 8v. The problem I had was I had to change light bulbs and headlights out now and again. Finally, after not starting or running since 1988, I am dragging it out of the hedgerow to restore in my retirement.
Somebody wired that truck wrong. All chevys, even 6 volts, were/ are negative ground. Some 6 volt GMCs were positive ground along with Fords, dodges, imports etc but not Chevys. Anyone doing this conversion absolutely needs to identify which their vehicle is and proceed accordingly. It's best to switch to 12 volt negative ground. Great video anyway. Thanks for sharing.
I remember having to touch some wires together at the regulator to reverse the polarity for this reason. I vegly remember this. That was 45 years ago.
Hey bud I'm watching this please don't run it to your coil your coil needs to be left alone so all of its power is just to run the engine if you rob power from it. Your timing will change so go to a keyed ignition something might think of they sell a head light wiring harness that will plug into your 6v head light harness but gots it's own relays that will hook up to the battery but uses your original harness to use your factory high low beams they are awesome takes all to load off your factory wires so you don't have a Pretty flame electrical fire just a few ideas good luck looks great
Hi Russell, I enjoyed your video. Very educational. I also have a 1954 stock 3100. It was already coverted to a 12 volt system. However, a lot of the wires are just jumbled and hanging. I want to rewire the truck, and I now have the wiring harness. I only need one 12-6 volt reducer for the fuel correct? The other gauges should work fine, hot/cold amp charge? I am using the original gauges as well. I see several convertion boxes, 6-12 volt boxes on the outside firewall. Are they needed anymore. I want to reduce the mess of wires and gadgets. I look forward to a response. Thanks and happy truckin.
That's right the only conversions needed to step down is the fuel gage and heater. I wanted the 12v bus bar you saw me add in the video but that's up to you
Good presentation but why no mention of starter? not necessary to convert to 12v?
Correct no changes to the starter. Mine has been working since with no modifications.
Great presentation. Just got a 1952 3100 in original 6v. I'll be changing it over to 12v soon. Where did you get that buss bar in place of the voltage regulator.
Amazon
I like your video thank you so much for showing us how to convert from 6 to 12 one thing that I didn't see you doing replacing the starter my question is do I have to replace the starter mine is a 1940 Buick special straight 8 that's when I put the 12-volt battery the starter doesn't work because it's too much power
The starter should work just fine. No need to replace
Found your channel by accident, and worth the watch. Thanks for the information and your time. I'm currently in process of restoration as well. I'm working on a 47' Dodge Deluxe.
Are you going to upgrade the brake system to disc w/dual MC?
Eventually. For now the drum brakes will have to do
Hi Russell video was very helpful but I have a couple of questions. 1, did you get the bus port from Vintage Auto Garage? 2, What are the 3 wires you have hooked up to the bus port? 3, Did you have to gap the electronic ignition?
this was such a helpful video! thank you for explaining everything!
Just found your site. Last video a year ago? What has happened? I am working a my 54 GMC frame off resto. Any new videos would be great!
Haha life happens man. I just got done driving it. I gotta put some more videos together
thanks very good video
The posts
The posts are different sizes The positive post is a larger diameter.
Good morning sir, I did the conversation but my volt meter is reading below 12. My question is when you run the red wire from the alternator to the bus bar is that it? Cause on your video you said to hook up red wire to ammeter but that's where I'm lost. If you can help me out please.
Gm never had pos ground that year. Ford products did! Pos battery wire goes to starter solenoid
when you put the reducer in for the fuel gauge did you put something behind the screw head. I was about to hook mine up and looks like it will touch the gauge housing, im going to put a gauge insulator on then the reducer.
I did not. It works fine
@@russellnelius thank you
If it was up to me, I would relocate the battery to the firewall under the hood.
It isn't necessary to use a reducer on the fuel gauge. I've converted a number of 47-53 Chevy trucks to 12v, and never used a reducer for anything other than the heater fan motor. My 50 3100 fuel gauge has worked perfectly without the reducer for the 31 years I've owned it!
How about the headlights, dome light and dash lights?
All things I got at AutoZone (12v) versions of same part number
so i have a question you did the fuel guage but what about the amp guage ? will the reducer take care of both ? thank you awsome video
the amp gauge does not require a step down
May need replacement gauge alt minimum charge rate higher than gauge capacity in anp
Where did you purchase the electrical bus bar? Great vid.
Amazon
@@russellnelius can you please post a link I need this for mine as I don’t have power yet
@@ktxlonestarr (Black) 5/16" 4 Stud Power Distribution Block -BUSBAR- with Cover - Made in The USA a.co/d/3738pV0
How did this effect the starter on the floor?
Where did you get the bus bar? Do you have a model number?
Good video...ball park, what did "kit" cost??
I’ve seen these kits run about $400, but you can piece it together for less than half that.
What about the starter? Did you leave the 6 volt starter?
I did. The 6-volt starter works great on 12v
What kind of spark plug and wires are you using?
Do you happen to have the part number for that old generator?
Using Original 6 volt starter is OK going to 12 volt?
Absolutely still running my original!
How long did it take you.
A solid day
@@russellnelius thanks im looking at a 1951 gmc really good bones but the 12 volt needs doing along with a new rear bumper and some paint. Keep us posted.
There is no need to do this. If you use the CORRECT 1 gauge battery cables, and a Group 2, not Group 1, battery, you will have no starting troubles. And if you want more power, you can use an 8 volt battery, (4 cells). They are easy to find. Even Amazon sells them.
That truck's starting motor uses 6 volts as do other electric components. Wouldn't a resistor for it be needed for 12 volts? Nothing said about starter.
No the starter does not require a reduction in voltage. That’s why guys who still have a 6v system put in 8v batteries to get a little more oomph
Were u get the kit for thr distributor to take points ouy
You can get it at a o’reillys, AutoZone, anywhere really.
Did the 12v to 6v reducer come with the kit?
It did
Why does the battery have 4 fill caps?
8 volt battery.
should have been factory negative ground. GMC was positive ground but Chevy was Negative
XenosagaEclipse it was definitely positive ground
@@russellnelius Strange. I am pretty sure it was not "born that way". Bet is someone was looking up a GMC when they wired it earlier or something like that. Oh well...whatever works huh? Did you learn any more on that deluxe cab chrome and paint treatment?
XenosagaEclipse not yet! Right now the head is in the machine shop. Still working on getting the thing running. Many valves were stuck.
@@russellnelius Good luck. Can't wait to see it running again.
My 1949 6400 is neg ground. It has been sitting in a field for 35 years. So if someone changed it than it had to be before 35 years ago.
don't want to rain on your parade but if these old eyes don't fell me I could swear you have a 8 volt battery not a 6 volt too many caps on top of the battery to be 6 volt 6 volt battery only have 3 caps on top now you know I. like your video though
You are correct but the weather is still dry. Still a 6-volt system though.