I have a ‘36 that’s been converted to 8v and I’d like to know if it’s safe to run an original 6v radio on the 8v. I realise I can use a voltage reg to drop to power down but just wondering if anyone has done this without a reg.
thanks

 

I would go back to the 6 volt battery. If the components are good it should work well. Six volt systems worked for a lot of years. I don't know if the 8 volt battery will damage components.

 

Your 6v generator puts out around 7-8v. The radio will do fine, but your battery may never see a full charge if the regulator is not adjusted to charge it correctly.

 

Years ago I had a 47 chevy pickup converted to 8 volt with the regulator adjusted for 8 volts, no radio though but had to go to a step down on the general electrics for the interior and exterior lights as they didn't last long at all. It could have been that the bulbs were original to the car and were ready to go anyway. I had little problems after that but doubtful if I would do that conversion again.... Tedd

 

Switching to 8 volt batteries is a " monkey see , monkey do " kind of thing .
Someone did it , and others think it might be the right thing to do .

Eight volt batteries belong in Ford tractors NOT in collector cars .
Six volt systems were designed for 6 volts . putting 8 volts into them stresses them beyond designed capacity .
Yes , your radio can be damaged by eight or more volts .

One thing you CAN do , however , is to make sure the battery cables you use are of the proper thickness . 2/0 or larger .

 

it will work but the songs will play at a faster Speed, like 33 LP at 45 rpm , but if you like the chipmunks songs you are good to go.

 

Where did you get that idea ?
We're not talking about playback devices like tape decks or record players .
We're talking about radios .

 

That’s only possible in a DeLorean, this is an Olds

 

I did it with a 6v Volkswagen radio in a '52 Chevrolet pickup on an 8v battery. That was more than 50 years ago, but it worked fine.

 

He was kidding...don't you know.