49 electrical system

[dickg]

I just purchased a 49 that needs quite abit of rewiring.
Are they positive ground systems/
Dick

[lstude]

Yes, they are 6 volt positive ground.

Leonard Shepherd

http://leonardshepherd.com/

[lstude]

Yes, they are 6 volt positive ground.

Leonard Shepherd

http://leonardshepherd.com/

[Anne F. Goodman]

If you add where you live to your signature line makes it easier for us to help locally.

Mabel 1949 Champion
1957 Silverhawk
1955 Champion 4Dr.Regal
Gus 1958 Transtar
1955 President State
Fresno,Ca

[Anne F. Goodman]

If you add where you live to your signature line makes it easier for us to help locally.

Mabel 1949 Champion
1957 Silverhawk
1955 Champion 4Dr.Regal
Gus 1958 Transtar
1955 President State
Fresno,Ca

[Roscomacaw]

Depending on what you're planning to do with this car, there's two ways (maybe 3) you can go. Personally, I'd opt for new harness(s) from Studebakers West. I think they'll provide them with the original cloth-covered wire or more modern plastic. Either way, the color codes will match the original wiring diagrams.
If you're gonna hot rod it, one of the aftermarket universal wiring kits might do ya. The third (and least optimal approach) is to buy a bunch of spools of wire, terminal, looming or tape and devise your own.
If you buy a harness from SW, even tho it's guaged for 6volts, it'll work fine (better actually!) with 12volts should you choose to go that route later.

If you replace ANY of the heavy cables associated with the starter or battery, be sure they're of the adequate gage to handle the 6volt systems higher amperage. Just grabbing the biggest ones you see in a blister-pack display at Kragen (or the like) isn't gonna cut it. You really oughta have one ought or bigger for 6volts. That and super-clean, super-secure points of termination/connection.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[Roscomacaw]

Depending on what you're planning to do with this car, there's two ways (maybe 3) you can go. Personally, I'd opt for new harness(s) from Studebakers West. I think they'll provide them with the original cloth-covered wire or more modern plastic. Either way, the color codes will match the original wiring diagrams.
If you're gonna hot rod it, one of the aftermarket universal wiring kits might do ya. The third (and least optimal approach) is to buy a bunch of spools of wire, terminal, looming or tape and devise your own.
If you buy a harness from SW, even tho it's guaged for 6volts, it'll work fine (better actually!) with 12volts should you choose to go that route later.

If you replace ANY of the heavy cables associated with the starter or battery, be sure they're of the adequate gage to handle the 6volt systems higher amperage. Just grabbing the biggest ones you see in a blister-pack display at Kragen (or the like) isn't gonna cut it. You really oughta have one ought or bigger for 6volts. That and super-clean, super-secure points of termination/connection.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[bondobilly]

quote:Originally posted by dickg

I just purchased a 49 that needs quite abit of rewiring.
Are they positive ground systems/
Dick

Positve ground and be carefull as it is hard to think against the norm when doing the re-wiring or adding after market items. Some early VW radios are positive ground it you want to replace your radio.

Go out and find the biggest, thickest battery cable you can find, those 6V positive ground systems draw an amazing amount of amperage. You also might want to run an extra cable to the starter to prevent any hot starting problems. Also wrap aluminum foil around the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb to prevent vapor lock once you get it running.

[bondobilly]

quote:Originally posted by dickg

I just purchased a 49 that needs quite abit of rewiring.
Are they positive ground systems/
Dick

Positve ground and be carefull as it is hard to think against the norm when doing the re-wiring or adding after market items. Some early VW radios are positive ground it you want to replace your radio.

Go out and find the biggest, thickest battery cable you can find, those 6V positive ground systems draw an amazing amount of amperage. You also might want to run an extra cable to the starter to prevent any hot starting problems. Also wrap aluminum foil around the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb to prevent vapor lock once you get it running.

[gilmo100]

If your re-wiring and changing to 12 volt does that change it from positive ground to negative?

[gilmo100]

If your re-wiring and changing to 12 volt does that change it from positive ground to negative?

[lstude]

quote: If your re-wiring and changing to 12 volt does that change it from positive ground to negative?

Yes. I have never heard of a 12 volt positive ground system except in my friend's 1914 Haynes.

Leonard Shepherd

http://leonardshepherd.com/

[lstude]

quote: If your re-wiring and changing to 12 volt does that change it from positive ground to negative?

Yes. I have never heard of a 12 volt positive ground system except in my friend's 1914 Haynes.

Leonard Shepherd

http://leonardshepherd.com/

[gilmo100]

Thanks LSTUDE Ill have to remember that!

[gilmo100]

Thanks LSTUDE Ill have to remember that!