12volt starter

[48gmc]

have a 48 gmc 1/2 ton with a 228 motor, converted truck to 12volts. would like a 12volt starter, start with my foot, anyone no where to get one, thanks pete

[mr48chev]

The one I am finding requires sending your starter core in to be rebuilt to 12. A competent local starter/generataor/alternator automotive electric shop can usually do that and change them to 12 V.

If you don't have a local shop that can do it check with these guys that are local to me. http://www.smithae.com/ The owner is an old car guy and the shop does some pretty good work. They also usually have a quick turnaround and you don't have to wait until they "get to" your item. I know that they have stuff shipped in for repair via UPS and send it back after repair.

[OrrieG]

I will check with our local shop too.

[Old Crow]

I've had 4 different '52-'54 GM trucks. All 4 of them have been converted to 12v leaving the 6v foot actuated starter in place. Never, ever had a starter problem.
Just money that doesn't need spending, IMHO.

[48gmc]

thanks for info guys, I have an electric shop nearby, didn't know that I could convert my 6 into a 12volt.

[Hogger54]

My 6V starter works great on 12V too.

[Speedbumpauto]

I was reluctant to say it first but agree with Old Crow. That starter doesn't really care about the voltage. Might shorten it's life a little if the engine is hard to start but in normal usage, it will work fine.

[Katrina/10]

There is no conversion necessary, just use it like it is. Even stranger, you can hook it up negative ground or positive ground and it turns the same direction.

[OrrieG]

I thought he was saying that his 6v needed rebuilt anyway and he was going to convert to 12v as long as he was doing it??? I agree, i once had a 47 ford pu with a very worn flathead that needed 12v to the 6v starter, or a long hill, to build enough compression to start. Can't remember how we rigged it up, just that the girls complained about the extra battery sitting on the passenger floorboard!

[Old Crow]

Back when I lived in Phoenix, I had a tube frame VW dune buggy with a 6v charging system. It had so much compression I had to jump 12v to the starter to start it cold.
Rigged up a 12v battery behind the other seat, wired in a Ford starter relay and it only jumped when you turned the key to start. Had to remember to not turn the lights on before I started it, and charge the 12v battery about once a week.

Didn't know you could change the ground on the electric system and get the starter to turn the same way. Learn something new every day.

[Katrina/10]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

Back when I lived in Phoenix, I had a tube frame VW dune buggy with a 6v charging system. It had so much compression I had to jump 12v to the starter to start it cold.
Rigged up a 12v battery behind the other seat, wired in a Ford starter relay and it only jumped when you turned the key to start. Had to remember to not turn the lights on before I started it, and charge the 12v battery about once a week.

Didn't know you could change the ground on the electric system and get the starter to turn the same way. Learn something new every day.

Yes, I changed my GMC from 6v positive ground to 12v negative ground, and the starter didn't care.

[48gmc]

will leave it guys, thanks for the replies...

[Apachemike]

Keep the 6v starter. I is not a problem and actually spins a bit faster and may last longer. Used one for years on my 54 converted to 12v

[48gmc]

brought starter to electrical shop, they took it apart and found a couple of the field wiring strands sticking out, he will give me price to rebuild one...