the 53 has a 6 volt electrical system,,i have no immediate plans to switch it to 12 volts,,the problem im having is that i want to shave the handles/deck and install solenoids to open them,,,,the solenoids everyone sells are 12v,,,,what can i do?,,,any suggestions besides converting to 12v,,,its not that im opposed to switching, just checking out other alternatives if there are any
go old school and skip the solenoids and use pull cables alone. I fear technology so thats what I did.....for now.
Run them in a separate circuit off a cheap motorcycle battery? Radio Shack used to sell a..... voltage inverter --I had one in my VW in high school so my 12v 8-track would work in my 6v bug......
Since the activation mechanism (push ****on or remote control module) just triggers a relay to power the solenoid, I suppose you could run a seperate non-charging 12V circuit with a second battery. But that seems pretty lame to me. One of my first "mods" was going 12V and I really glad I did it.
Seems to me you could run a tranformer to a dedicated circut. Used to have one in my old Dodge truck to run my radio.
Jim, going to 12 volts will be one of the best things you can do. For a total investment of less than $400, you will improve the car's performance, reliability, and overall function. Try finding 6 volt points or condensors when your stranded on the middle of nowhere. In addition, considering that plans you had for the car were flipping it for profit, you'll easily make that up on your resale. Convert it over to 12V, use the standard actuators, and guaranteed you'll be happier with the results
As of today, the door handles are shaved off my 1960 Caddy-- thus i've been thinking about how i'm going to get the door open. Here are the options i'v been thinking of: 1) Just leave the damn window open. That works, except I drive the **** out of my cars-- and it ****s to part all day in the lot at work with the window down when it's raining. 2) Install solonoids with ****ons hidden or wireless Can't do it... that just seems so non-traditional. Reminds me of a cheesy street rod or mini truck.... especially with the little remote keychain thingee. oh, hell no... 3) Install pull cables Yeah, perhaps accessible through the back of the front fenders or underneath the fender. Seems to make sense to me. Look forward to seeing other suggestions coming through. -scott noteboom
I understand your beef with the solenoids being perceived as non-traditional. My handles are shaved (is there any other way?), and my access comes by way of a constantly unlocked vent window. Has worked fine for the past 4 years, but the problem is that I can't lock the car. When my Gretsch Nashville is sitting behind my seat, and my amplifier is in the trunk, I would preffer to lock my car if I step away...and I can't. It does seem street roddy to run solenoids, but what about A/C? That was available in '53. Air bags? Available in '58. Power windows and locks? those were available in the mid '50s as well. What about electronic ignition? It goes down the line. When one looks at a car, one doesn't just look at one feature to judge period correctness, the whole picture is ***essed and a judgement is rendered. Door poppers are the least of your concerns, and you can bet as I go through my car this year, a set of solenoids will be installed
I believe Patrick's used to show how to convert to a 12V system from a 6V. I think they also had experience with electric door openers and could be contacted about your situation. I don't recall their website, but I know they used to have one for Chevy six bangers that was pretty good.
FYI, it IS traditional to run solenoids for shaved door handles. They used to use old Caddy starter solenoids back in the day. You can find articles on how to install them in the 'little books'. Remotes...that's a horse of a different color. Oh, yeah, Jim, it was popular to use VW 6 volt solenoids (in a 12 volt car)back in the 70's-80's at least. Had more power in a smaller package than the 12 volt ones. They might work for you here.
Yes, Patrick's are definitely the people to talk to if you're converting a Ford from 6V to 12V. They sold me all the parts needed for the convertion on my '47 Ford, and that included a 12V field to convert the stock generator (this way you don't need to install a modern looking alternator). As for the solenoids, I went for actuators from Ball's. They are not solenoids but little screw motors, and I find them much more reliable than the solenoids I've had in the past.
Another cool option instead of using remote controls or cables would be to put in Magnetic switches like Radio Shak sells ( for alarms on home windows ) and carry a magnet w/ya just wave the magnet on the outside of the door where the Mag switch is in reference to the inside of the door and POP done deal. Went that route on an old VW of mine . Worked good knowing that you didnt have to worry about sittin on the remote somewhere and popin your door into on-comin-traffic
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