6 volt to 12 volt

[JoeKeys2010]

Well I caved in and converted to 12 volts. Much better starting and reliability. I wanted to keep the 6 volt system but got tired of the battery going flat all the tom. So far I'm happy with the 12 volt system. 

[51Deluxe]

So how do you find a 12v starter for a Kaiser?

[JoeKeys2010]

I did not change the starter. 12 volts will not hurt it but does mak it spinn much faster.

[54manhattan13]

True,
The 12 volt will not hurt the starter if you don't run the starter long enough for it to get over heated.
I personally don't know how long that would be, but a well tuned engine should start long before it gets hot enough to do permanent damage.

[BigDave LM6174]

I have the 6 Volt Optima Gel Battery.  With 980 Cold Cranking Amps, My 6 volt starts like a 12 volt.

Did you go with 12 volt alteranator or generator?

[51Deluxe]

In the 70's we would throw in an 8 volt battery, which didn't require a lot of changes. Are they still around?

[JoeKeys2010]

I went with the 1 wire GM Alternator because it was most available. I used the bracket that bolts to the side of the block. I had to modify i because it did not line up. I took it off, heat and beat it so that it only had one 90 degree bend. I drilled two additional holes in it so that it moved the bracket toward the radiator. Then it and the top bracket lined up and all the pulleys lined up and the deed was done.

Changed coils and reversed the wires. Disconnected the voltage regulator since the alternator has a built in one.

Took more time to modify the bracket than to do the conversion. Car cranks right up. 

[MilesP]

Yes 51 deluxe  8 volt batteries are still around I currently have two one in a 51 and one for my55 I also have two 8 volt battery tenders while not poplar on this forum I find them to be well suited for my needs cars start well bulbs have not burned out I did have a voltage dropping resistor installed for my radios 

[JoeKeys2010]

I did everything, rebuilt generator, bought new regulator, made sure connections were good, tested battery, took it to a shop, bought a jump box and still had poor performance with 6 volts. I'd like to drive my car around without worrying if I flood it or pad it too much the battery will die.

Very pleased with the 12 volts.

[Corsairdeluxe]

The one wire alternators are popular because of the ease of installation. The regular 3 wire ones are only slightly more work and if you are away from home readily available anywhere. I give the optima battery very high marks. It does not run down during long periods f inactivity.

[retired wrench]

If you install an 8 volt batt the charging system wont keep it charged as it is set for 6 volts. If you crank the reg. up to 8 volt settings the gen wont last too long. This is based on something that is used daily.

[51Deluxe]

I have the 6 Volt Optima Gel Battery.  With 980 Cold Cranking Amps, My 6 volt starts like a 12 volt.


This sounds like the best solution for me- good, dependable starting and no other changes needed to the charging system.

[JoeKeys2010]

I had nothing but problems with my 6 v and did everything I knew to do. Not much trouble changing it over and it starts like a dream. No more popping the hood every time I stop.

[Terry T]

I am hard pressed to understand why some are having problems with 6V systems.

I have 2:  54 restored Darrin and an unrestored 51 HJ.

Admittedly I do not drive them at 10 below, but the surely start every time at 32 degrees.

I put Battery Tenders on each if they are going to sit for an extended period.

What am I doing that others are not or am I just lucky?

[JoeKeys2010]

I guess lucky. Admittedly I have not enough experience to make mine crank within a revolution or two and I probably have not projected the manual choke and the patting of the gas pedal. There just is no forgiveness and I hate popping the hood every time the battery goes flat. With a 12 volt it cranks right up, no tenders, no popping the hood no feelings of I hope it starts.