1940 Buick Electrical System

I am in the process of buying a 1940 Buick where the current owner had a mechanic start to re-wire and convert from 6 volt to 12 volt system. He has completed from the firewall forward (including generator and starter I believe), but nothing to "tie-in" to gauges, key start, lights, etc in the interior or to tail lights or fuel gauge. Should I hire someone to finish, learn for myself or just buy the new 6 volt wiring harness and put it back the way it was was originally? What are the positives and negatives to 6 volt vs. 12 volt. Also, car has not been started in about 4 - 5 years . . . any hints or do/do nots? Thanks for the help!

 

I don't own one, and this is not my project, but I've driven 6-Volt Buicks. There's no real reason to convert them to 12. If everything is working properly, starting should be no issue.

However, a friend of mine did put two 6-volts in his '41 with a series parallel switch, incase he needs that extra boost for starting. He's got the compound carbs and one likes to flood out...

 

When I had a '40 Buick a few years ago, I used an 8 volt battery and just cranked up the voltage reg. a little. Worked very well. Cranked it over hot with no problems. Gee, I miss that car now. It was a 40 Series Special 2 door with a very rare Sunshine Turret Top - a factory sliding sunroof. A guy in Apollo Beach bought it. Dammit.

 

I am really interested in finding out how big a deal it is to complete this conversion from 6 volt to 12 volt. Will all of the gauges work with just wiring up OR do I need to use some type of a "step down" transformer? What are the positives and minuses for 6 volt vs 12 volt?

Also, what is proper procedure for starting/turning over and engine that has not been touched in 4 - 5 years. I am thinking that I should remove spark plugs and put 1/2 ounce of Marvel Mystery olil in each cylinder and let it se over night, then use a beaker bar to manually turn the engine over thus lubrication the cylinder walls. I would also run a temp fuel line to a gas can when it comes time to start, so as not to allow bad fuel into carb/engine. Any other thoughts???

Thank you!!

 

I have wired a 40 Buick, but kept it stock 6v. Converting it is no different with the exception of the guages and fans.

I can tell you that the dash was extremely involved, If you have never done it, it can prove to be difficult

If you choose to use the stock guages and fans, voltage drops will be required for each guage, including the fans. The 40 buick that I wired had about 3 different fans, 5-6 different switches; each doing something different.

The kit I used was from Rebel Wire.

One question would be to ask yourself; why do you want to convert it to 6v? I have had several 6v cars and have been extremely happy. One major point to a 6 volt system is a good ground. If the lighting is dim, clean the grounds. My last 6 volt car had brighter lights than my friends 12v model.

If it was up to me, keep the 6v, your life will be much easier!

 

Yep,that's the trick:beer Ted just proved he's an old timer:bla: ou:

 

Yep! He sure did! :bglasses: