Starter question? 2 generators available too.

[Scruffy49]

I've tried the search function on truck, car and tech forums. Couldn't find the answer so...

I'm switching my 49 B1B from a known bad 48 P15 218 6v w/truck starter (pedal starter) to a known good 56 Savoy 230 with what looks like an electric 12v starter. So far as I know it is the stock Savoy starter.

How do I wire it in? Ford solenoid? Common as dirt and what, a whopping $10 or so the last time I bought one.

Or should I just put the 6 volt starter back in when the engine is swapped? I know it is good, had it checked out/cleaned up about 5 years ago. Still spins just fine when smacked with 12v.

Also, I'm going to switch to a common 12v 3 wire alternator. I have a 49 6v generator and a 56 12v generator I won't need. 6v bench tested good several years ago, haven't done anything with the 12v unit. 6v is deep/wide v-belt pulley, 12v is the skinny pulley. I like the generator but need a higher amp rating. Open to trades if you are local (Memphis area)... Or shoot me a price.

Thanks guys.

Oh, if anyone needs a 3 on the tree I've got one. Keeping the truck tranny.

[41/53dodges]

first off, what's wrong with the 6 volt starter? my truck runs the stock pedal starter, running 12 volts works great! it is also much less barbaric than a inertia-drive starter and will last longer & start better on low battery. i myself would stay with the stock, but its your truck, my friend, so its up to you. either way, good luck.

[Merle Coggins]

I guess it all comes down to what you want in the end. Do you want to retain the foot start for a bit of originality, or are you willing to add a start button or different ign switch with start position and wire up the 12v starter. Since you are planning a 12v conversion it could go either way. Like Josh says, your 6v starter will work just fine on 12 volts, may even spin a little faster.

Merle

[Don Coatney]

Running a 6 volt starter on 12 volts will work well espically using the foot engagement system. The starter motor will spin faster.

What I found when I converted to 12 volts using a solonoid engaged bendix on a 6 volt starter did not work so good. Not only does the starter motor spin faster but the bendix also engages faster. On my application this would cause the starter gear to lock into the ring gear on the flywheel occasionally. I would have to put the car in gear and rock it back and forth to get the starter gear to pop free. My fix was to install a 12 volt starter from a mid 50's Plymouth. Once I did this I have not had that problem.

[Plymouthy Adams]

be careful on the mix and match the 6 volt and 12 volt gears..I believe some will interchange but assure you not all will...there is difference in tooth count so staying with the complete 56 12 volt would be to your advantage I would recommend a tooth count of the starter ring and bendix on both before mixing...

[Scruffy49]

I'd prefer to keep my 6v starter, I like the look and know it works. I've actually driven the truck with the old 218 in it back in 94. Last time I tried to start it I could hear rings tinkling down into the oil pan, I guess I didn't let the ATF sit in the cylinders long enough before turning it over (with a 900+ amp 12 volt battery).

Simple is better, but my new wiring harness is set up for key start vehicles... No biggie, if the 218 starter fits I'll keep it. I'm going to be using the truck bellhousing, tranny and clutch anyway. Ought as well use the starter that came with that bellhousing.

Definitely not afraid to mix and match parts. Heck, I'm already trying to figure out how to use the rear axle, front hubs/spindles/brakes, power steering and A/C out of my late brother-in-law's totalled 92 Ranger in my 49... Probably the seat, visors, fuel tank, and whatever else can be shoehorned in or trimmed to fit. 2.3L w/5spd manual so maybe I can adapt the trans too...

Stock is nice but the truck is being restomodded the way my grandfather and I would have done it.