Can anyone give me some advice on converting a 1951 Riveria to 12 volts? I know the basics of what has to be done. Does anyone know which 12 volt starter will work? Which 12 volt coil to change to, etc. The alternator, battery and finding new lights should be easy. I'm just wondering where to get the proper starter, solinoid and other itmes that will fit that are set up for 12volt. Thanks.
6 to 12 volt conversion If the starter is that unique find a shop that rebuilds starters and have them rewind yours to work on 12 volts. Any later model Buick points type coil should work, but make sure you install a ballest resistor. There are a tremendous amount of things to change. Do not forget the horns, horn relay, turn signal flasher, radio, dash, parking, tail, brake, head, interior lights and any electrical driven gages. The fuel gage could have a reisistor placed in the circuit between the gage and sender to recalibrate it. Specific resistance could be determined by trial and error. Hope this helps
The starter will handle the 12 volts without a problem ,as long as the engine starts easy. I had a Cad powered Chevy back in the 50s that had 10.5/1 compression. I had trouble starting it hot on the 12 volt system. I installed a 6 volt starter,and cured the problem, and had NO trouble with the starter at all.
