12volt Starter for a 54 Chevy with a 235 engine.

Guys, it looks like my starter is toast. I don't mind spending the money on a new starter. Here is my current setup.

1954 Chevrolet 210 Deluxe
stock inline 6 with powerglide transmission
12 volt conversion (done by previous owner).
12volt sloenoid with original 6volt starter.

I need to change AT LEAST the starter and I would really feel more comfortable changing both the strater and solenoid.
My question is: is there a 12volt starter with 12volt solenoid that will fit in my engine? This would be a much cleaner way of doing things.
If not, Do i buy a starter/solenoid setup for this car and remove the solenoid and buy a seperate 12volt solenoid to complete the setup?

What are your thoughts on my best route. Again, i don't mind spending the extra money to buy a new starter rather than rebuilding the original starter.


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6v starter will take 12v, for the solonoid, National Chevy association has them, and Chevs of the 40's both in there 12v conversion sections... they don't make a 12v starter to fit them

So the 6V starter is my only option?

Don't you have a rebuild shop near you? Take it to one and have them convert the existing starter for you.

Forgive me - I'm a city boy and there are rebuilders all around...if you don't have that luxury I wasn't trying to sound flippant.

But most areas have a place that rebuilds starters, alternators, power steering gear and such.

I live in Los Angeles and there are shops all over.

Is there a way for me to change the internals over so that it will be a 12volt starter? I know the gear on the starter shaft is probably the problem. Any thoughts?

I am totally cool with using a 12volt power supply to a 6 Volt starter. The motor can handle it just fine.

56 and 57 pickups still used the 235 engine and they were 12 volt units. All stovebolt bolt patterns were the same, so should be a bolt in. Have your parts man put one on the counter and compare it with yours.

As I said in my above post. I believe the gear on the stator shaft is welded on and this gear is different for the different model cars/engines. For instance the 1953 starter wont work on a 1954 car.

BUT, this is a nice tip and I will definitely ask to see them side by side.

the block changed a little in '55 and I'm pretty sure the newer starters won't work in the '54 engine.... it's common practice to use the 6v starters, as they just spin faster.

Keep the 6 volt starter use 12 volt solenoid from NAPA, good to go.