Starter Questions

**Rande** · 02-01-2009, 08:36 PM

Ok, I'm using a 1950 straight eight in my hotrod. What can I do with the 6 volt starter?

Can it be rewound for 12 volts? Will it hold up to this?

Years ago, I read about a battery designed with dual voltage posts. One post for negative and two positive posts. One for 6 volts and one for 12. Anyone know if they are still available?

Am I better off getting a mini-starter and call it good?

**36 Century** · 02-01-2009, 09:20 PM

Yes it can be converted to 12 volts. You can make a dual 12/6 system but you have to use two 6v batteries and solinoids. I have done this on other older cars, and the 6v optimas work great. BTW, you can run a 6v starter on 12v, if you dont crank on it forever and burn up the armature and brushes.

**Jyrki** · 02-02-2009, 01:07 AM

I'm running the 6-volt starter with 12 volts. It was also common practise with the VW Beetles - they still had 6 V starters in the 60's

**52rat** · 02-02-2009, 03:29 PM

I'm also running a 6 volt starter with a 12 volt system. It works great!

**39CENT** · 02-02-2009, 10:38 PM

check in the search box here in, Team Buick, you will get some info. Your 6v starter will work fine, many guys have run their old 6v starters on 12v. They are built to handle lots of current. you may havto get a 12v solenoid, which are also used on the early 50,s buicks and GM cars.

**65specialconvert** · 02-03-2009, 08:25 AM

Yes,leave it alone untill you burn it up.They actually will work better than converting to 12v,will spin faster,but like mentioned,also will burn up if cranked on too long.

**njlimbaugh** · 02-03-2009, 09:45 AM

I ran the stock starter on 12v in a 49 Ford flathead that I used as a daily driver for over 5 years and never had any problems.

**Rande** · 02-09-2009, 01:20 PM

Well perhaps the course of action should be to have it rebuilt and run it as is.

Thanks guys!

BTW, the T5 install is coming along just fine so far.

**Jyrki** · 02-10-2009, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Rande

BTW, the T5 install is coming along just fine so far.

Be sure to post some pics along the way!

**Rande** · 02-11-2009, 08:44 PM

This T5 swap is going to be a bit different from most. The tranny I got turns out to be the only application (that I know of) with the extra long input shaft. Of course! So, I needed a plate between the tranny and bell to move it back enough. Simply cutting the extra length from the end of the shaft then moves the clutch splines forward. No a good idea I thought. They may still have worked but I just had the plate made anyway. Once the clutch disc gets here, I can put it together and see whats what in there.

I may have wasted the money for the plate, or not. Once the whole thing is done and working, I'll post.