So I assumed this thing was 6V, but after looking at a couple light bulbs, I'm thinking differently. The tail lights had 1157 bulbs in them, that I looked up, and show as 12V. Is there a tell tale giveaway to let me know for sure? Is there anything in the pics that show?
Read the tag on the generator. If still in doubt, count the battery cell fill holes and multiply by 2. Is this old 235 six in something 'year-different' or are all those relays & voltage regulator the ones that have been in use? (headlamp & horn relays look like the 6 volt types...) I don't see a ballast resistor in line with the coil + wire...another reason to "assume" 6 Volts.
I figured someone would go there.... No battery in it. It's in a 54 Chevy 3600. From the numbers, the engine is a 54 235. Couldn't tell you if the regulators and relays are stock or not.
There isn't anything readable on the generator. And the only markings on the coil are a -(neg.) and +(pos.) on the top terminals.
what is the generator? pictures? my guess it's still 6 volts and someone just put 12 volt bulbs in the taillights because 6 volt bulbs are getting harder to find at parts stores
If it is 6v now, eventually it's gonna be 12v after you're done dick'g around & a new extra $100 6v battery for nothing
Unfortunately there is no fuel tank. An I don't see anything other than the terminals on the back of the gauge. But they were already removed when I got it.
Yeah, Its 12 volt. Go get a new 12v coil & a 12v One-Wire alt. & ditch the regulator. get one of these altternators
Cool, thanks. Any particular coil? Would it change anything if I wanted to go with an HEI distributor?
That IS NOT a one-wire alternator pictured. "One-wire" alternators have one connector where wire to battery is shown in pic and a black plug to close off the hole where the other two wires are shown in this pic. There are no connections for or wires to ignition or light. One 10 ga. (minimum) wire runs from that one pole (which is always hot)to starter lug or to battery positive. Charging begins above a certain RPM. This IS an alternator with an internal regulator.
Hogger, There is a great source for Chev and GMC parts in Lebanon, OR called The Filling Station. (800-841-6622) Their on-line catalogue will help and you should get on the email list because the monthly newsletter always tells how to troubleshoot or fix something. Order and get a catalogue with it. They stock most of what they sell and are close enough to get parts quickly. LMC Truck (800-562-8782) is in Kansas and has both catalogues and pretty good prices. They are a big company with lots of items. Try these two and I am sure you will see later model six parts which will give you choices about which way you want to go, without actually having to go anywhere. Enjoy your ride.
Check the numbers on the starter. That might tell you something. Also the horns might say something. The heater fan motor might also be a place to look. You could always hook a 12 battery to the heater motor and see if it sounds like a jet engine. If so, the motor is probably 6V.
Red label tag on the generator means 6v. Green label means 12V. Inspect coil for a stamping of 6 or 12. Batteries with 3 plugs are 6v, 6 plugs means 12v
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