For my 6 volts system - how much voltage should be coming out of the regulator to the battery? I'm getting over 8 volts from the generator, and just around 8 volts from the 'batt' terminal. Thanks in advance!

 

If I remember right 7.2-7.5v, someone may have adjusted the regulator to try and run an 8v battery.

 

Motor's Auto Repair Manual calls for a regulator setting of 7.1 volts .
Yes, 8 volts is too high.

 

After getting the generator rebuilt, and finding out the regulator needed to be replaced as well... I decided to go ahead and switch to 12v.

Are there any resources that list the 12v equivalent to my 6v bulbs?

 

I don't know the PN for all the bulbs on your car, I would just take a sample of each and make a trip to the auto parts store and match up the bulb style to each and replace. You may also consider your radio and the condition of your wiper motor, heater blower motor, etc, as they may not like to run for long periods of time with 12v.

 

Also the ignition coil and starter solenoid. Starter windings may handle 12 V ok. Other relays may also come into play. Somebody here has done this.

 

The wiring is fine and the starter itself I believe is okay. You will need a 12 volt solenoid. I think you can still get voltage reducers for stuff like the radio and heater motor.

 

The 12 volt conversion seems like a lot of trouble for no good purpose.
Much easier and cheaper to just replace the regulator.
Do you have a 52 Olds chassis service manual? If not get one. It will explain how to test and diagnose charging systems. And how to adjust voltage regulators.

 

There was a reason all the manufacturers went to 12 volt systems. They work a lot better. I am sure higher compression was also a factor. Six volts systems are a pain. Just my $0.02. You can adjust the regulator and use an 8 volt battery which helps a lot. It sounds like all he needs to do is install an 8 volt battery.

 

Six volt systems are only a pain when repaired by mis-informed "shade tree" mechanics.
The biggest mistake they make is installing skinny 12 V cables. Since 6 V systems use less voltage they have to operate at higher amperage. Thus the need for larger cables.
To properly repair any charging system one must have a full understanding of it . That is why I recommend getting a factory service manual.
Making "off the wall " modifications will probably only lead to more problems.

 

1st, how accurate is your meter? 8 volts would be ok if you are not doing a lot of long trips., and even then it would probably not hurt anything, depending on the type of battery plate construction materials. Measure the volts at the battery. I used to set them according to the type of driving the user would be doing. If it was just short trips on a seldom used car I would set them around 8 volts. If it was used a lot I would set them between 7 and 7.5. Maybe you should try to adjust the reg to a lower voltage or have the rebuild shop do it for you.

 

X2 most 6 volt problems are ether two small of cables or bad grounds. There are ways to adjust that type voltage regulators of which I have had poor success but others have done quite well. There is a you tube video that explains/shows hoe it's done wish I had seen it when I was messing with 6 volt cars....Tedd...https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?...t+a+6+volt+reg