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Car Forum / Antique and Collectibles / Studebaker / September 2006

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Sticking with 6V

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reporter - 29 Sep 2006 19:36 GMT
I know this is a well worn topic, but here's my contribution: The
starter on my newly acquired 53 Commander turned slowly, growling all
the way. I was sure it needed a rebuild, but then noticed the battery
cables were 4 gauge--pretty thin for 6 volts. Tractor Supply Co had
lots of heavy duty 1 gauge cables of all lengths. Installed a set of
them and bingo! She spins like a champ, as fast as any 12 volt would.
There is a 12V converter already installed to run an electric fuel
pump, so I don't see any good reason to even think about a complete
conversion. The total cost was just a bit over $26 for two terminal
cables plus the cable link from the solenoid to the starter. Nice to
get off that cheap.  

REPorter
Wagonmaster - 30 Sep 2006 00:01 GMT
I still have a 6 volt system on my 55 Conestoga, and have had no
problems with it, I'm not afraid to drive it anywhere. Been to several
meets in Kansas and Missouri, not to mention all local happenings, Other
than a FM radio I see no reason to change to a 12 Volt system..
I carry a portable Radio to the  far away meets.  

Bob Whiten
Wagonmaster
http://community.webtv.net/zzbob/StudebakersandMore
R1Lark - 30 Sep 2006 01:41 GMT
> I still have a 6 volt system on my 55 Conestoga, and have had no
> problems with it, I'm not afraid to drive it anywhere. Been to several
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Wagonmaster
> http://community.webtv.net/zzbob/StudebakersandMore

I will echo the sentiments above. My daily driver '54 Champion has the
6 volt system, and I have had no trouble with it....yet<G>. My '55 V8
pickup that I drove everyday for 4 years had the same, and on 5 degree
days it would turn over kinda slow, but always started.

IMHO, with a six volt system you need to pay more attention to good
grounds, and make sure your ignition system is top notch.

By the way, a tip for those who have the cloth covered wire and have
places that the covering has 'disappeared' exposing the wire strands.
The harness in my '54 was basically good, but some places did have some
deteriorated cloth covering. I found that the PlastiDip 'Liquid
Electrical Tape' is great for sealing the deteriorated cloth covering,
even if there are bare wire spots. In some areas I would seal with the
PlastiDip, and then cover the wire with shrink wrap. This works well on
wires that have the bullet connectors that you can slip the shrink wrap
over. But on other wires that would require the end connectors to be
removed to use shrink wrap, the PlastiDip works great. It actually
soaks into the fabric covering. It takes several coats, per the
instructions. I got mine at Lowe's Builders Supply, but I think that
WalMart carries it too. For you really anal folks, it is available in
several colors. I just used black..........<G>.

Paul
midlant@earthlink.net - 30 Sep 2006 03:01 GMT
You also cleaned off at least four connecting surfaces while doing
this, which may have had an effect.

Regarding color-coded cables, I had a black + and a red ground cable
when I got the car.
A roll of red and a roll of black tape did the trick in less than 5
minutes - that was three years ago and they still look good enough for
a DD.

Karl

> I know this is a well worn topic, but here's my contribution: The
> starter on my newly acquired 53 Commander turned slowly, growling all
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> REPorter
 
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