8 volt batteries

[mdelapp]

I have been considering utilzing an 8 Volt battery on a 6 volt system. Some comments are that they never fully charge. However, I have been advised that I could use a generator and voltage regulator modified for 8 volts.
I assume the 8 volt system would provide a little better cranking and possibly brighter headlights.
What have some of you to say about this type of alteration.

[robtc]

For some time I kept reading here that the best thing to do with a 6 volt system was to get big, thick battery cables rather than the thinner 12 volts that are probably now on the car. I ignored the advice because I thought that the answer to the starting problems couldn't be that simple.

Finally I got some big, thick cables and, after cleaning up the battery terminals, grounding location and starter terminal, hooked up the new cables. No more problems and no need for an 8 volt battery. Skip the 8 volt. Get the proper cables.

[Tom Bredehoft]

I can recommend the Ultima 6 volt battery, in conjunction with heavy cables.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Avatar1.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe (since 1959)
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
....On the road, again....
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[Green 53]

I agree. Avoid the 8v batteries. They are just a crutch. If you have a good 6v battery and the proper cables you will have no more problems. The 6 v Optima really does work well. I was in the battery business for over 20 and have seen it all.
Denny L

[55s]

I actually bought and used an 8v.

I was able to adjust the 1955 Commander voltage regulator to ~ 8-9 volts. The 1955 Champion regulator was not adjustable.

I was not happy. It was expensive, it only lasted a little longer than a year (it may have been the quality), and like others, I have found that there is no substitute for heavy cables, good connections, and a good fresh 6 volt. They started fine when they were new. Make sure the 6 V has enough cranking amps.

[jclary]

You did not say if you have renewed your wiring harness or if you are still using your original harness. Most of the original 6 volt wiring has exceeded "Safe" operating life. Unless you have loaded your car down with lots of additional electrical devices, a properly installed and maintained wiring harness along with a quality 6 volt battery should serve you well. If you are still running original wires...make sure you have good insurance that will pay for fires. Also, don't park the car in an attached garage until you get rid of the old wires.

John Clary
Greer, SC

Life... is what happens as you are making plans.
SDC member since 1975

[Chipmaker]

I used a 8 volt bat. on a old dodge pu years ago.The gen. is ok as is. The reg.can be adjusted to give 8 volts.BUT if you use it after dark stock up on headlight and outher lite bulbs!Thay do not last long.Allso not sure what it would do to a radio.

The none adjustable regulator can be adjusted,you have to bend the bracket that the springs hook on rather than turning the screws on the outher type.

[rockfoot]

My Dodge truck had dim headlights and was frustrating at times. I installed relays under the hood so the voltage went straight to the head lights instead of through the switch and dimmer and so forth. No more burnt up switches and a lot brighter lights. The 12v relays were easy to find and cheap. Might take a little looking to find 6v relays but the lights would definitely be brighter. Schematic is simple enough.[]

1955 President one owner
Moncks Corner, SC

[fstst56]

You can get an 8 volt alternator built at alternator
shops. It will be a one-wire hook up, Delco style
with an internal regulator. They may have to look
in the fork-lift application index to find the 8 volt
regulator.
I've been using 8 volts for decades now. No probelms yet.
That doesn't mean there can't be. Original wiring harnesses
are very old by now and yes, it is a good idea to disconnect
the battery when storing.
The 8 volt will crank like a 12 volt. Very helpful in un-
restored vehicles.
I was in a parade a couple years ago. Another entrant found
out I was using an 8 volt battery and laughed, saying you don't
need an 8 volt battery. "Watch me start my truck" he said.
He proceeded to crank the small flathead 6. And he cranked,
and he cranked and he cranked. It finally did start, but for
some reason I just don't enjoy going thru that every time I re-
start.

[stall]

I can recommend the Ultima 6 volt battery, in conjunction with heavy cables.
=====================================================================
Tom, Did you have to customize the battery box on your coupe to fit the Ultima? Who sells them ?

Thanks

http://sites.google.com/site/intriguingautomotivehistories/

http://studebakerspeedster.blogspot.com/2008/12/studebakers-new-v-8.html

[Tom Bredehoft]

I found them online, some warehouse in Nebraska or somewhere. Not cheap, but very satisfactory, no acid in my engine room anymore.

I bob'd the hold down lugs on the bottom, and put it in my battery box on a diagonal. I built a rectangular box around it, simulating a tar top battery, with three phony caps. No one's ever guessed.

I had called, gotten dimensions, and realized it would just fit.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Avatar1.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe (since 1959)
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
....On the road, again....
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[JunkYardDog]

Years ago I saw a couple of Ford pickups with 8 volt generators and still ran 6 volt batteries as even back then you couldn't grab a 8 volt battery just every where, the regulator kept them from over chargeing.
The early 50 Ford trucks and farm equipment is about the only 8 volts I remember seeing much of in the day. I converted several Chevys from 6 to 12 volt and just continued to use the 6 volt starter. That worked really will for the Dodge flatheads some of them were weak to fire off the old 6 volt system the starter stole most of their juice.
If your going to change things why not just brake down and go 12 volt if the motor fires up good the starter won't be working that hard seeing it'll be firing off in about half the time anyway. 6 volts starters are actually wound heavier then 12 's and can hold up pretty will as long as you don't keep cranking them to long making them heat up to much which shouldn't be a problem under normal conditions.
Honestly I think you'll be happier with the 12 volt then bothering with an old 8 volt system. Plus if you want to put on accessories your good to go for just about anything you want. hidden stereo in the glove box and or what ever ....