I have a 54 Ford F-100 that I am converting to 12 volt. Its got the 223 straight 6. I bought a 12 volt starter because my wasn't any good. I got one that fits a 223 in a 63 F-100. When i took the old one off and got the starter drive off, the shaft on the new one was a 1/2 inch too short. Can I make the old starter drive work or do I just need to get a new? Also, if the shaft is shorter, will it still line up with the flywheel once installed? Another problem that I ran into was with the alternator. I took the generator off and the alternator won't bolt up to the bottom bracket that the generator was on. Do I just need to get a new bracket? I thought since its the same engine in both trucks, just one 6 and on 12 volt, I wouldn't have a problem. Boy was I wrong. Any advice? I have a ron francis wiring kit to install after I get these problems fixed. Sorry about the long paragraph, lol.
hold on man... someone will come along soon with answers. its winter, its saturday afternoon... most guys are wrenchin' or drinkin' my question is, why not have the original starter fixed? 6v starters dont care if they are run off 12v matter of fact, they live just fine in a 12v system. just dont crank em for more than 25-20 seconds at a crack or they WILL get hot as for the difference in starter bendix. dont know if they'll interchange. anyone got a hollander handy?
Just use your 6V starter or if its worn out, get a new 6V for the '54. It will work fine (even when you reverse polarity by switching to a 12V Neg gnd) RockAuto.com has good prices if you can't find one local. As for the alternator, I don't think there is a "factory" bracket for one on a 223. You may have to fab one or take a late model 240 or 300 bracket and modify. Here's one solution.... http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34258&highlight=alternator
That motor was used untill 64 so go find a starter and a generator and use them,56 on up are 12 volt.
Jeff, That's what i did. I got a alternator and a starter for a 63 F-100 for the 223, but the shaft on the starter is a 1/2 inch too long. That's where my problem started.
Well I have a 55 Ford . Was 6v now 12 v . I have the same 6v starter for the past 3 years . 12v is good on a 6v starter . I am using a 12v generator . They both work very well ! Other than that you now can't use your gas gauge , heater , radio and things like that . They will all have to be replaced or drop the voltage from 12vto 6v to use them . Simple to do . Change ALL light bulbs , interior , dash and exterior lights . If you use a 12v generator don't forget to change the voltage regulator too .
where is the best place to buy an 6Volt look a like generator that looks like an old gm one??? I want to update my olds
Jim, I bought a voltage reducer for the gauges with the wiring harness from ron francis. Where do you buy a 12v generator? I thought after all vehicles went 12v, they switched to alternators.
gm 12V generators 53 to 62 (everything but chevy and Pontiac which started in 55) Furd (56-64) 12v generators Mopar (56-59)12v generators The stator tap is interesting, I take it this was from the early Delcotrons with external regulator. Only issue here is the car has to be running for the gauges to work, right?
I take it you would need a diode in series with the terminal to make it DC, as the alternator produces AC. Gauges with coils don't like AC on them, right? Another goodie I found looking at my recently acquired 59 motors manual: 58 Mercury's had an optional LEECE NEVILLE alterrnator used in them, never knew this, you HAMBERS know this?
I don't know if you have an O'rieley parts store near you but they sell voltage resisters I belive the part number is VR104 $4.99(I have one in the box in the trunk of my car I can check if you need) I converted my 49 Pontiac to 12V a year ago. I had to run 2 reducers in series to get my temp gauge to work correctly. I used a 70's GM internal reg connect the red wire to the pos stud along with the factory pos lead then connect the white wire to the "run" side of the ignition switch, also connect the field wires off the original external volt reg to each other-Presto!
Geeeeeeeeeez do a search on this subject.There is a wealth of info on this.I am only speaking from first hand popcorn burn.Do the search and like myself you will answer the next 4 phases of your project.never the less ,good luck
Use 6v starter, fab up a bracket and use a GM internaly regulated alternator (not a one wire type) . Drop the voltage to your guages and heater motor with a Ron Francis VR4 unit. Strongly recommend you get a copy of Randy Rundel's "Official 12 Volt Conversion Guide" available from Speedway and other suppliers.
I got the VR-4 with my ron francis wiring unit. Why not the one wire type? I will get the book. Thanks.
I found a local shop that fixes starters and generators. I plan on calling them tomorrow. Hopefully they can fix the starter so I won't have to buy a new one.
The Leece Neville alternators were a heavy duty unit, used to see them on Ford and Chrysler cop cars and ambulances a lot in the late 50's early 60's. Big ugly things but don't know much about them.
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