running 12 volts in a 53 hudson

hoggyrubber

the comments by ol racer a couple of weeks ago have been perking in my brain about running all his hudsons with 12 volts. my 53 hudson has a temp chevy inline 6 that runs off 12 volts. i don't know how long this temp situation will last! i was thinking about doing new wiring since mine is mostly rotted, and just sitting it up for 12 volts.
that was i can run the chevy engine and change over to whichever is the best of my hudson engines when i get the chance. i have heard pro's and con's about the starter being able to take it. what is everyone elses opinion on that? as long as you don't grind too long? if i am starting from scratch should i set it up for neg ground? the starting circut should take care of itself. as far as ignition circut do i just need 12v coil and 6 volt resistor inline before dist?
what would be the cheapest and easiest charging circut and components? anyone have any simple diagrams and parts they used? oh and did i say simple, like simple for people with simple brains.:whistle:

schillaz

I just did my first 12v conversion on a 49 hudson 262, I used a GM single wire alternator, i bought a 12v coil and im using my factory 6v starter. I also bought a 12v starter solenoid.

From what i have learned is you will need the ballast resistor to keep a constant voltage and current going to the coil, when you get a bunch of devices pulling voltage.

Check out this magazine, you can request a free one on the bottom left of the website they have everything you need and then some, they have 100 tech tips and everything you need to know about going from 6 to 12 volts. I think its a whole page on that subject.
http://www.ronfrancis.com/

MikeWA

I've heard that using a 6 volt starter on 12 volts can be a problem primarily when you first engage the starter, it bangs into the flywheel hard, and may break the nose piece. But I have 12 volts on my '48, and starter doesn't seem to engage any harder than any other I've had.

Ol racer

FYI

I have 12V on all my Hudson's with early style GM Internal Alternator using Chevy 12 Coil & Ballast Resistor from the '60's (Pre HEI)

Ballast Resistor has to be placed in between Key + Coil. (Key + wire into Ballast then connect other Ballast wire onto Coil +) ...The Points last as long as if still had 6V.

I use a narrower belt on most motors but found a wide Alt Pully using a stock belt on another. Cranking a moment to start is no problem. Motor spins faster improving start up. However, cranking for a long period would overheat the motor. If & when that would happen a local rebuilder can re wire starter 12V. The HET Web Site has a nice detailed diagram Link on how to convert over to 12V....

Alt Brkt - I make from altering the Generator bracket then fabricate a new top adjustable from a GM Brkt/Arm.

12V System has to be come NEGATIVE Ground

For Wiring, ive bought new kits with fuse box off ebay and made my own.Even in- expensive Kits appear good quality, However, its labor intensive duplicating the original but can be done.

If cant afford a new wiring assy, for safety I recommend installing a $5 Battery Shut Off then turn off whenever parking bevause if you can see fraid wires there may be a lot more out of site....