Picking up this '51 Ambulance tomorrow. 2.5 flat tires, 23K original miles, 2bbl 331, and a 3-spd manual. I've only looked it over twice for a few minutes each time. From memory there was a 12V battery in there and an aftermarket electric fuel pump slapped on the driver-side fender. I know all about firing an engine that's sat for a long time and bringing vehicles back from the dead, but is there an easy way to tell if this thing has been converted to 12V before I go putting juice to the siren, spot, and other stuff? I don't want to fry anything. It's an old Navy ambulance if that makes any difference. Were they 6V originally? Anyone know if the rims are tube type? From the looks of it the tires are original as well. Most of the gee gaws are there. Not sure what I'll do with it but I have a hard time passing up cool junk. Am loading it on my trailer, but still don't want to mess anything up. Any advice and info welcome. I found a few service vehicle sites but nothing that has much really good info on the drivetrain and trinkets. Thanks
it looks like a superior. los angeles area, pm me for info on where to get tune up stuff. just give it a try...but if you cant figure it out, id be happy to take it off your hands
May be dumb but I aint stupid! Found some good info right here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7824&highlight=cadillac Guess it's probably 6V originally. I'll have to spend a little time and check to see if the dist. components were swapped to 12V or if some monkey in the past just hooked a 12V battery up to the 6V system. I'll bring a Powertank along and see if the tires hold air. I doubt they're tube type. Anybody else? Appreciate any info I can get. I'm more of an early '40s-'70s Jeep guy. Sort of new to cars earlier than '60.
If it was converted correctly there should be a ballast resistor spiced into the coil ignition wire. Check the bulbs for 12V numbers.
Cool piece, decent engine, watch the bell housing, flywheel and trans-really tough to get parts. If it's not broken, all the parts should be available to run the 331. Clean it up and drive it to Bonneville!
I thought Superior, too. There will be a plate, probably on the cowl with the builder's name, number, etc. You didn't think Cadillac built this, did you?? They didn't. Most of the electrical accesories will probably have voltage specs on the device, and I would suspect that to be 6 volt. The 12 volt battery is in there because some dopes just have no clue, and shouldn't be left alone with a screwdriver. Good luck, and I'm jealous. Cosmo
Thanks for the info so far. Yeah, it's a Superior Cadillac. Semantics, I guess. To me it's a Caddy. Build plate still riveted to dash with model number, Navy info, etc. Hubcaps, cigarette lighter, etc. all there. It's pretty complete. Figured I could sleep on the gurney when I'm in the doghouse with the wife. I'll check for the ballast resistor and check the coil. I have no problem with 6V so I'll just pick up a battery if that's what these were originally. It'd be cool if the fuel gauge, etc. work. I've converted a few 24V military vehicles to 12V, but have no experience going 6V to 12V. With the 24V-12V the worst you'll do is have a dim bulb or a component that doesn't work. Any chance the starter and other components could be fried because of the 12V battery or would the 6V part just spin 2X as fast? Hooking up the trailer in a little while to go grab it. Will post some pics when I'm back home with it.
6v generator/regulator won't work on a 12v system, starter should be ok, all the other accessories need to be dealt with.... The chassis/cowl/front end were all made by Caddy, but Superior made the roof, divider, side and rear doors, etc, as far as I know.
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