I'm considering the purchase of a 1949 Olds 88 with the original 6 volt system. The generator ammeter reads in the negative when the car is at idle but boosts to the max positive after a bit of throttle. It's starting HARD. Like so hard I'm amazed when it hits the wall it still cranks. Still, it finally does start but the electrics like the blower motor run very slow. Battery? Or is this just the way 6v generator cars ran? I've never had a 6v car. I can't imagine this heater blowing enough hot air to keep anyone warm in my home state of Maine!

 

On a 6 or 8 volt system battery cable size is critical. Needs to be at least 0 gauge as original or 2/0 even better, with heavy flat braided ground cable. 12v cables are simply not suited to use on lower voltage systems. Many owners of 6v systems use welding cable to make their battery cables.

Generator could be in need of brushes or a full rebuild too. Generator and voltage regulator have to be polarized on these old systems.

Starter motor probably needs some attention after 70 years too.

Look close at generator, heater blower, distributor and you will see a small pipe with a hinged flap on them. These components have to be oiled periodically and in their day it was done as part of an oil change and lube service.

Nothing insurmountable. These systems functioned well when new, no reason they can't now. It's just that most people used to modern vehicles have no understanding of them, and that's where here, National Antique Olds Club and AACA come in.

 

The biggest issue starting is usually the battery cables and grounds as rocketraider mentioned above. All generators of that era will go into a negative mode at low RPM, just the way it works with a generator.
You might put a new set of points in and check all the electrical connections from the battery, ignatian to the distributor. for anything that is frayed or corroded then after it's sorted out work on to the heater motor if it is still slow blowing, it may wake up with use once the grease in the bearings get warm.....Lost in the fifties ...Tedd

 

My heater motor did not work when I bought my '57 fifteen years ago. I disassembled the motor and the grease was very stiff. I re-lubed the motor with wheel bearing grease and it has been working fine ever since.