Jay,
You're exactly right - don't necessarily need two batteries - - -
Antiqueautobattery also sells a 12/6 battery with the single center tap for
the 6 V accessories. If you have both 6 and 12V accessories and a 12V
charging system this would be a great option - no need for switches,
reistors, new bulbs...
This works a little different as the automatic (parallel/series switched
battery) charges with the 6V system.
Emory
In a message dated 5/21/01 10:15:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
jaybaker@ruralnetwork.net writes:
> I made a reference to doing something like this when this discussion was
> going on some time back. but wasn't aware anybody was producing it
> comercially. For anybody else that wants to do this and save a few Dimes
> I think you could get away with running two 6V in series and tapping off the
> center terminal for 6v stuff and using 12v for just the starter and any 12v
> accesories of course you would have to use a 12v Generator or ALT
> to keep it charged though but it does give you some more flexibility in the
> system IE using 6v stuff and adding things like stereo/CD changer and stuff
> ( in that space under the seat) also recommend using color coded or
> different gauge wire for the 12v acc so you don't accidentally get em
> crossed up. on some of the old tractor batteries they used to have the bars
> that connected the plates of the batteries external so these would have
> worked great as you would just have one battery with a center tap for 6v
> stuff.
> My biggest concern would be for the New Owner he he
> Jay Baker www.expage.com/chevylikearock
> -----Original Message-----
> From: EEHodges@aol.com <EEHodges@aol.com>
> To: oletrucks@autox.team.net <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> Date: Sunday, May 20, 2001 7:44 PM
> Subject: [oletrucks] 6/12 Automatic Battery
>
>
> >I wanted to share my weekend project:
> >
> >There was some talk about this battery on the list some months ago. Most
> >preferred going to a 12 V conversion or even 8 volt. I decided to give the
> >6/12 "automatic" battery a try. (See antiqueautobattery.com)
> >
> >Why - my truck is original and all the 6V stuff functions (lights, heater,
> >gauges...). Charging system is fine. Only problem is slow starting.
> >
> >Battery costs $185 + $10 (remote switch option) +$20 shipping + ~$20
> (cables
> >and wiring). So, conversion to 12V is likely less or similar cost but this
> is
> >relatively easy installation.
> >
> >The 6/12 automatic battery is actually two 6V batteries in the same case
> >(matches original group 1 size). A switch changes the batteries from
> parallel
> >(6V) to series (12V). The "body" feed always comes off the "middle"
> terminal
> >so is always 6V. The starter is fed off the series batteries and gets 12V.
> >The switch mechanism allows both batteries to run in parallel and thus
> >charged with the existing 6 V charging system.
> >
> >On the AD trucks with battery under the floor, there isn't enough room for
> >the battery mounted switch. Paid an extra $10 to get the remote switch.
> Have
> >to buy the battery acid and some cables separately. Wiring wasn't difficult
> >but took several hours to plan and get things neatly and safely installed.
> I
> >put the switch (looks like a F**d starter solenoid with more taps) on the
> >inside of the frame behind the battery box.
> >
> >The original hold down has to be "modified" as the posts and caps are too
> >close to the edge (likely the same problem with 12V conversion?).
> >
> >"Normal" installation is to power the switch from the starter solenoid, but
> >since these trucks (unless converted) have a foot starter, you need either
> a
> >toggle switch or a "brake light type switch" on the starter mechanism. For
> >now I routed a wire to a under dash toggle switch - out of sight but easy
> to
> >reach. I plan to later buy a brake light switch for the starter mechanism
> the
> >make the operation "fully automatic."
> >
> >Initial results are GREAT - fast starts and no worry about frying lights...
> >We'll have to see about durability, etc. but for now I'm pleased.
> >
> >Emory Hodges
> >EEHodges@aol.com
> >48 Chevy 3/4 ton "Rack"
> >oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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