Starter solenoid needed

luvmyclassics

luvmyclassics

Senior Member
I am converting my 51 to 12 v. Can someone suggest a solenoid to use since there are only 6v solenoids for this year.
 
The 6 volt solenoid is more than adequate. Because 6 volt requires more amps to do the same work it is built heavier inside than a 12 volt. If you can get one with the start button on the bottom, it's very handy. Napa should have one and their Echlin brand seems like a better product than some out there.
 
1956 up Ford is a 12v solenoid... I've never messed with a 1951, so I don't know whether it's power to actuate, like the 56 Ford, or ground to actuate like my 1939 Ford.

Like others, I would use the 6v...

Karl
 
a little off topic, but sorta fits: the model T guys will put an old starter bendix spring in the wire to the starter for a big resistor to slow up the starter and keep the 12 volts from wrecking starter drives. anyone heard of that?
 
Been using the original 6 volt solenoid on my '51 with 12 volts for over 20 years. (must be doing something wrong?)
 
I dunno? My original early38 solenoid just took a dump after converting it to 12v in 1962.

Jack E/NJ
 
I also lost a 6V solenoid. Mounted a '56 up solenoid insulated from ground, ran the POS wire to it and hooked the starter button to the frame of the solenoid. Been working great for over 31 years.
 
cas3 said:
a little off topic, but sorta fits: the model T guys will put an old starter bendix spring in the wire to the starter for a big resistor to slow up the starter and keep the 12 volts from wrecking starter drives. anyone heard of that?
Click to expand...

I also works to take a starter from a y block or Fe and use the 12v barrel and fields with the flathead starter armature and drive to make a 12v starter that is powerful and does not overspeed... I did it, $20 or so rebuilt starter from Kragen, plus $20 core charge.

Search for the subject on this site or the Hamb...

Karl
 
Flathead said:
Yeah, but POS (alternate meaning) does not apply to our Fords. :)
Click to expand...

Of course! But I was referring to the wire, which could have come from who knows where.....Rereading it doesn't make much sense. I do that sometimes. Sorry for any blasphemy I have committed. ;)
 
I used an original nos 6 volt on my AV8, has worked great, but the push button did stick on me once.
 

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I converted my '39 Ford truck from 6V positive ground to 12V negative ground. Everything worked fine when I had a temporary control panel (start button, on/off switch, etc.). In this temporary set-up, I used a 12V starter solenoid. When I wired everything permanently, I used the original 6V solenoid. Does it matter that this solenoid was originally used in a positive ground system? The problem I encountered is when I turned the switch on, the wiring immediately got really hot. I turned it off before anything burned up. A bench check of the solenoid with a 12V battery prior to installation was good. Any suggestions?
 
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