Technical 1951 Oldsmobile 303 6v - 12v conversion

Hi , I just wanted to let everyone know who was looking to upgrade they're 6 volt starter to a 12 volt( have a 1951 olds w/303). I've heard from so many people that using the original starter would be fine as long as its in good shape. Mine worked well , but I'm converting to 12v and I like to play it as safe as possible . after doing my homework I found that you can use standard motor products ss210 starter solenoid( from the 1953 starter )on the '51. As far as the starter itself the windings are suppose to be thicker on the 6v starter, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'm not sure what other starters this will fit but it did work for me. The best part was it was under 40 bucks on eBay with free shipping!!

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Here is the starter rebuilt with the 12v setup. I was surprised it wasn't not very hard as I thought it might have been. I used a paint cap to hold it up for the pic in this picture but its looking great !

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Thanks for the tip! I did not want to exchange my starter as I've notched the housing in order to flip it
over to the right side of the adapter/b-housing. This should fill the bill..

(Suggest you also post this on the Olds engine compilation thread and Rocketeers forum)

 

A good auto electric rebuilder can install 12v field coils as part of a normal rebuild.

 

good updates

 

I'd be interested in some of the details of what you did in this conversion.

I actually just bought a 1951 Old 98 Holiday Coupe, and I'm going to go to 12v as well. Reliability is one reason, but honestly the biggest thing is that I don't want to screw with the hydraulic power windows and the vacuum windshield wipers (neither of which work). I'd rather power those with electric motors that are more likely to work forever once set up.

The only thing I have done so far is obtain a 12v generator - it's the original Delco from my dad's '56 Chevy from before he swtched power plants (with an alternator). Google obviously has the basics of everything I need to replace (solinoid, coil, generator, voltage regulator, bulbs, etc), and places to drop in ballast resisters. Still, if you have any specific tips or areas you found difficult to access I'd be interested to know.