A 53 Super or Roadmaster solenoid should work. 53 Specials are 6V. Most other 53-56 GM 12V car solenoids should also work, with one exception that I know of. GM changed their solenoid design in 1957 so that it bolts to the drive housing instead of the starter case. The exception is either Olds or Pontiac, which changed to the new type in 56, but I can't remember which one. The two designs are quite different in appearance, so you shouldn't have any difficulty telling them apart.
When replacing your 6V solenoid, you will have to deal with two issues. First, the terminals are oriented differently on the 12V solenoid, so you will have to bend the copper strap coming out of the starter. This shouldn't be a problem, as the strap is more than long enough to reach the terminal on the 12V solenoid.
Second, does your 6V solenoid have a relay on it for the throttle starting feature? This is a rectangular housing at the terminal end of the solenoid. If yes, and you want to keep the gas pedal start, you will need to add a remotely-mounted relay from a 12V Buick. This relay was used until 1960, and reproductions are still available from the vintage parts vendors. You can also substitute a universal Bosch-type "cube" relay, which you can get at any parts store for a lot less money than the stock repro.
If you are staying with a generator, wire the new relay just like the old one. For an alternator, you will need to modify the "ARM" side of the relay coil circuit. If you don't feel up to doing this, forget about the relay and just wire a separate starter button directly to the solenoid.
Ray
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