Friend is making a 47 coupe into a convertable, putting in a 40 engine ( had a rebuilt one) changed the manifold and carb, looking to get a 12 volt starter for it, going to change the ignition switch, don't want the floor operated type starter, also a 12 volt generater that will work on this engine. Thanks

 

So are you asking for some ideas and help on his behalf? The '40 engine, is it an eight or a six?

 

Yes, I am helping him with all his projects, he is 80 years old, and still does most of his own work. Other projects are, 66 Marlin, 47 Chevy, 47 Buick Convetable. Its a 6, with a hydro, he put in, I told him its not going to run very good with this trans. I am only 62, any help will be appeciated. Thanks Oldsguy

 

Well, if he does not want to use the floor switch to crank the engine he will have to replace the switch with a modern type ignition switch that can engage the starter motor momentarily and then return to the run position. The 12 volt starter may be a problem, he might have to have the old one re-worked for 12 volt use. Do not forget to change all the lamps as well unless you plan to use two batteries, one for cranking/starting/ignition and one for lamps/accessories/lights. The 12 volt generator is the same situation as the starter, he may be able to have the old one re-worked, or there may be a 12 volt one available that would fit his engine but I don't know how he could find out. I think they changed over to 12 volt systems about '53 but by then they were using the V8 instead of the old straight sixes and eights so they probably wouldn't physically fit. There are some people that have done this kind of thing at a different site, try this place. They may have some information that would be helpful. Good luck in your efforts. Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask any more questions.

edit: I think he may need a 12 volt coil too but don't know which one.

 

The six volt starter will work fine on 12 volts; no problem at all. The coils are even heavier on the 6-volt starter. But, I don't know about adapting a solenoid so it will engage from the ignition switch. . .
There's probably a later year starter that has a solenoid-engage that will fit, but that's a little before my time.

 

Danny, that is true that the starter will work, but it will try to turn at twice the speed. I just don't know if one would get the longevity compared to using a 12 volt starter.

 

Thanks guys, went to a rebuilder this morning, starter is going to be a problem, no new type will interchange, he is going to try and rework the 6 volt, he can rebuild the generater. Have to start working on my ride, its a 47 Chevy with a Camaro 3.1 V6, having a lot of trouble with the computers, it was in the car when I got it but not running, was my friends, but don't know why he used the 3.1! Later

 

Here is a old trick from when I was a kid. Commerical resistors are available that will reduce the 12 volts to 8 volts which turns the starter fine. Use a ford remote solenoid with a standard ignition switch. Still have to change all the lamps as stated. I will find the resistor on line and post it tomorrow

 

Not with this starter.





The foot pedal actuates the lever, moving the pinion in line with the ring gear, and sending power to the starter motor. Adding a remote solenoid would do nothing unless a Ford type drive could be used.

Norm

 

Thanks for the clarification. I did not understand the starter configuration

 

Twice the speed is just right! Six volts and just barely turning over is much harder on the starter due to the increased amperage draw. Just make sure the bushings and brushes are in good shape, and it will last longer than running it on six volts. As with any starter, if the engine doesn't start easily, you will need to let it cool off after cranking for awhile, and not just keep grinding on it!