Another quandary! I am trying to make some modifications on the subject truck. The truck is still configured with its 6-volt electrical system and foot pedal starter. To put it simply, old trucks were not built for average size, and bigger drivers. A more driver friendly starter ****on on the dash makes more sense for this driver. Has any readers made such a mod, and if so, what did it entail? All ***istance greatly appreciated! Thanks.
I have a 6v starter from a forklift conversion that had no foot starter. Used a starter relay like for used. Engine was a 218. Maybe cars came with them (non foot starter)?
Convert to 12V, and use a late model starter. If memory serves, one from a 318 might actually work. I did this about 15-years ago, but I cannot remember for sure.
Dodge used flathead sixes up through 1960 in the trucks. From what I find both the six and V8 used a 146 tooth ring gear. This link says you can use a V8 starter on the six. 1954 1955 Dodge Fargo Truck STARTER For V8 Engine With Solenoid | eBay That doesn't mean buy his used starter, this is just to point you in the right direction in your info search. You would want to check with the Mopar flathead brigade but I'm betting that it is the fix . If you aren't on Allpar Allpar Forums They have specific groups for each brand and model of Mopar then sections for specific engines with a pretty solid no bs knowledge base.
This is confusing.. two threads on the same subject. As i said on the other thread, remove the startor switch on the floor, replace it with a 6 volt starter solenoid and run power to the solenoid from a dash mounted ****on. Take power from the ignition switch to the ****on.
I’ll get a pic later when I get up of the 6 cyl non-foot starter I have. There’s no solenoid on it, as I mentioned it works like a Ford starter. But when did Dodge go to 12 volts? He’d want a 6 volt starter to minimize other changes.
Trucks went to 12v midyear 56. I have one of those. But it was a foot starter also. Mine is getting a 56 Plymouth starter, also 12v but has the correct drive to work with my flywheel. Same can be done with 6v, as most 50s Mopar cars were not foot starters.
Alot of the cars were push ****on not foot starters, so that is your easiest way forward. The v8 starter is a idea but still can be financially not the best option as early v8 starters are not cheap. If retaining the 6v and ok with that. I would say the way mentioned above with just putting a solenoid and removal of the foot switch is the cheapest way and best way to make things work as is. The foot switch only pushes the contacts together, its easily byp***ed or removed all together. Alot of guys have done that on orig model A starters also.
That must be what the starter I have started out from. Years back places took the old airport tugs and made them into forklifts. The one I got was with a 218 in it, no solenoid, just a starter relay.
One thing though, he may not have the holes drilled and tapped to bolt the solenoid down. That’s not just a “drill a few holes here” thing. I need the starter I have for a 218 on a stand, but I think the easiest way (no idea the cost) is get a 6v starter from a car, have it rebuilt if needed and add the start relay somewhere. Just my thoughts, but drilling strait holes on a round cylinder isn’t the easiest thing thing to do, unless someone has some guidance or experience.
Looking at a picture of the starter would not be possible to make a bracket up to hold the plunger in all the time and connect the terminal up to a remote solenoid.
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