I am installing a toggle switch to engage my OD on my 3-speed manual and was wondering, if since my 6v system has been converted to a 12v, will it harm the solenoid? If so, is my only other option buying a 12v converted one? Them things aren't cheap- specially' in December. I'm trying to byp*** the kickdown, governor, relay, etc. I have searched high and low, and heard both opinions, but only in p***ing. Any suggestions or links would help. 1952 8BA Flatty.
The solenoid is just an electric magnet, and as long as the wire coils that make up the magnet are a large enough gage to handle the increased voltage, the solenoid won't care what voltage you run it at. 12 V will just generate a stronger magnetic field then 6V.
I've been planning on doing this on my 53 merc for awhile now right after I convert to 12 volt. Do you know where I can find a tech article on it? I had one awhile ago but lost the hard copy. Edited to add: I'm looking for a tech article on converting my OD to a toggle switch, not an article on 6 to 12 conversion.
Rev: Search the HAMB for 3 spd OD or similar, There is a ton of threads on different wiring options. The easiest is a toggle switch between the solenoid and a 12 V source (by p***ing the govenor). It gets more difficult from there.
why would you want a cap? you want to take 12v, drop it to 6v and then what with the cap? bump it up to 12v again? drop the cap. the only "boost" the solenoid needs is amps for the primary. once its in place, the low amp hold kicks in. unless im missing something here?
I have an overdrice transmission in my 55 chevy pick up. I bought it at Pate several years ago, do not know what year Chevy it came out of but it is a 5 bolt sideplate transmission with non syncro low. I bought a 12 volt relay from Radio Shack and ran the power to the solenoid from the relay. I took the main power to the relay from a fuse block. Powered the relay with 12 volts from the ign switch to a toggle switch. Been using it this way for three years with out any problems. The reason for the relay is the first toggle switch burned up and quit working.
Here is another wiring diagram. Mine is done this way except 12 volts with a 12 volt solenoid. The fellow whose name & number appears at the bottom rebuilds overdrives (he rebuilt mine), their ***ociated ******s, and knows everything about 30's yo 50's Mopars:
here's my ****py picture of how i did my '64 panel. also you can run a 6v sol on a 12v system, it might last a few weeks or a few years.........
I recommend you use a relay. it was in the original circuit for a reason. I have been running mine daily for 9+ years. I used a toggle switch rated for 30 amps, to a relay, which powers the solenoid. With out the relay the switch can burn up, as I drive mine long distances this is not an option for me. The relay I used is from Cole-hersey. I got mine at the semi truck supply here. I just asked for a relay they use to power all those running lights on the semi and trailers, obviously they can run for hours and hours long. They are available many different configurations, powered with 12v, or powered with ground etc. I have always tried to get a 12 volt solenoid, sometimes you can get a whole ****** for the price of a solenoid. good luck
Get a ballst style resistor that drops voltage to 6-7 volts, run your 12v into it, then out of it to solenoid. That is all you need. If you want to run a relay, still use the resistor to drop the voltage that you will use the relay to supply to the solenoid. Relay is not a must. You can also but a voltage drop, but they are not designed to hadle much for amps at all. They are more designed to be used on gauges/instrument panels not solenoids or electric motors etc. You can also buy a solid state voltage reducer, they will hadle more amps and will definiatly work for your application, but they tend to be quite expensive.
check out where blueskies rewired his kickdown switch, and put it in a nifty place! http://www.50plymouth.com/05-tra/tra.html
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