1953 buick 12v conversion

What's up everybody. I am new to the H.A.M.B. I have a 1953 buick special with an sbc. Any information on converting to 12v. would be helpful.

 

Contact member glenn33 here on the HAMB,He is the go to guy for rewire.

 

Are you sure this isn't already 12 volts???
53 Olds is 12v.

 

In 53 Only the GM V8's were 12 volt. The GM 6's and Straight 8's were still 6 volt. A 53 Buick Special would be a straight 8.

 

6/12 Volt Conversions


Converting From a 6 to 12 Volt Electrical System

 

Did you install the SBC, or did someone else? Are you sure that it's currently a 6v system?

 

welcome to the HAMB

 

I had a 52 Buick i converted to 12v, fairly straightforward. I used a GM 12si and rewired everything with a new fuse panel and bulbs everywhere. I added an external solenoid to the starter and used voltage reducers for gauges.

 

Buick went to 12V in 1954.

 

Do i need a voltage reducer for each guage? By the way when i bought it, it had the original wiring which is 6v, and a 305 mocked in it. I will be installing a 350 with a 700r4 trans.

 

Depends on how the gauges are powered. If they need to be powered seperately then yes. If there is a common power then no. Are you running the computer for the 700R4? If you are running a carbed 350 with no computer we make lockup kits for that transmission.

 

as i recall, the buick that had a nailhead in 53 was 12v. the straight 8 was 6v.................john