Hello this is my first post. Hope someone can give me the answer.

Just bought a 1951 Chevy Deluxe.
At some point it was converted to 12V although the wiring under the dash looks a untouched.
can anyone identify this for me?
There is are 2 wires, 1 coming from the ignition switch and then 1 going out, cant tell where to.
I disconnected the one going out, the engine turns over but wont start.
I thought it might be a resistor?
the reason I need to know is when the engine is running it gets REALLY hot. Could it be 6v.
Thanks for any advice coming.

 

I would guess it did not run when you disconnected is because it supplies power to the coil. The resistor may have been installed to drop the voltage to the points when converted to 12 volt, rather than using the regular ballast resistor. Yes, that would get hot.

 

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.
There were so many issues with the bad conversion from 6 volt.
Have decided to start again and am putting in a new wiring harness.

 

You are doing real good now go get a HEI distributor from your local junk yard and do away with that resistor before it burns you car to the ground.

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

gotta agree with jimcolwell I've had a wiring related fire and no fun. spend the money now on new wiring.

 

Yup.... Had a little fire just before I ripped it all out. Scary for sure.
All wiring is history now, nearly completed the new harness.
Thanks for the input.

 

Is that an ignition switch in your pic?
Get yourself a wiring diagram for the '51 Chevy.

Here's a good guide, for the 12 volt conversion, from a knowledgeable guy.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/miscellaneous/5412volt.htm

 

Probably used as a kill switch.