[ludecrasy87]

Hello, I just picked up a 53 bel air with straight six. Trying to get it started but having issues. I recently have rebuilt stock carb, rebuilt the starter, installed new points and condensor as well spark plugs. I'm assuming it's still 6v system so I bought a new 6v battery, I can get it to crank over but no start I have fuel from carb and spark from cables. It's my first classic project that I'm getting involved and learning as I go along. My superisor came over and pointed out that my voltage regulator has a symbol 12v he states that I may need a 12v battery to start. Is thier another method to tell if it has been converted to 12v system?
When I sent out my starter and solenoid for rebuilt I said it was a 6v starter, and the shop didn't say anything about being something else.

[vicrod]

Get a voltmeter.

vicrod

[S10 Racer]

Originally Posted by ludecrasy87

Hello, I just picked up a 53 bel air with straight six. Trying to get it started but having issues. I recently have rebuilt stock carb, rebuilt the starter, installed new points and condensor as well spark plugs. I'm assuming it's still 6v system so I bought a new 6v battery, I can get it to crank over but no start I have fuel from carb and spark from cables. It's my first classic project that I'm getting involved and learning as I go along. My superisor came over and pointed out that my voltage regulator has a symbol 12v he states that I may need a 12v battery to start. Is thier another method to tell if it has been converted to 12v system?
When I sent out my starter and solenoid for rebuilt I said it was a 6v starter, and the shop didn't say anything about being something else.

If it's been converted to a true 12v system, it will have all 12v light bulbs in it. Pull one from the tail lights or turn signal and look at the bulb. It should say 12v on it.

[EOD Guy]

You are going to have to look for some clues, ie.... voltage regulator, headlight bulb numbers, taillight bulbs etc..... cross reference the numbers and it might tell you

[matt167]

check the coil markings or P/N. it is the #1 part to get changed. It should still fire up with 6v tho. if you have spark to the wires. dist cap may be bad and carbon tracking. My '51 did that, and I got a no start. carbon tracking was heavy but looked very faint. must have been firing all the wrong wires

[ludecrasy87]

Ok great thanks for the info everyone, really appreciate it. I checked my bulbs and headlights and their all 12v but checking numbers on the coil and distributor their still the original 6v same goes for the generator. I'll be replacing the distributor cap tonight