How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Following (with "thanks") the instructions of Fordbarner Ed Pitts first buy a new starter for a 1964 Ford Galaxie 390 V8 (like the one shown in the first photo) and then do the following:
1. Remove long bolts.
2. Slide out armature.
3. Remove long bolts from your 6V starter and slide out armature/Bendix.
4. Remove inspection band from new 12V starter and pry of end plate.
5. Clean out commutator slots (not armature) with needle knife file. NOTE: I have since been told that commutator slots should not be cleaned as the copper dust can create problems later on.
5. Slide old 6V armature into new 12V case. ( I lost count of fives.)
6. Install each brush onto commutator using home made "hook tool" or wire ties.
7. Align end plate on case and secure gently with vise grips. Install nuts on
long bolts to hold it all together.
8. Make and install clamping strip to hold front end plate to case. Be careful not to drill holes thru case and into field coils. Use the path of the long bolt as a guide as there are no field coils where the bolts pass thru.
9. Make and install new data plate telling what parts were used to make starter.
10. Install inspection band and test starter.
I hope this helps folks who want to "convert". The OEM starter fit the 1949-53 Ford/ Mercury V8. The new 12V starter is for the same engine. Total cost was $75 for the new starter from Ebay.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

This does work very well. I also used a '56 thru '62 "Y" block starter to do the same thing. Didn't have to use item #8 as it all bolted up perfectly. The "Y" block starter's field coils are identical to the 6V with a few less windings.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Wow, great information!

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

4t8v8: Thanks for the additional info. Yes, mine bolted up perfectly also. I just wanted to make sure the end plates didn't come off by accident when trying to "catch" the long bolt threads into the bellhousing threads on install. When I first removed the starter it came apart when the Bendix got caught on the lip of the bellhousing. I didn't want that to happen in the future. I forgot that the 18 pound starter gets heavier as you get older and when your laying on the ground under your car.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

If you do this to a 59A or earlier starter, you have to use an 8ba mounting plate end which is thinner.

John

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Can the bendix for the 1964 be used on a flathead?

http://mrtexascitrus.weebly.com/flatheadstarter.html

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

I'm sure you guys are going to hate this but
I just left the 6 volt Ford starter on my '51 Merc
engine when I converted to 12 volt. It still
worked fine after 12 years!
A testament to the toughness of Henry's parts!

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Tony, Mine lasted for 44 years. Eventually, things break.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Here's more info. on installing starter brushes from a fellow on The Ford Muscle Forum

To change brushes-- remove thru bolts -- pull back cover off commentator--[carefully]--change brushes -loop springs onto back of brushes - now -- pull brushes back out partway-with the springs still in place -pull part way and let spring reast against side of brush-- it will jam the brushes-- and cock them in their sliders-- that will hold them up as you slide the brush and cover back over the commentator-- aftr tighting the thru bolts - reach inside the windows and trip the brushes and they will drop in place-- just changeing the brushes will not always do the trick --you need to turn and undercut the commutator----

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

mrtexas: I don't think the 64 Ford drive will work. I think I read somewhere that the "bullet drive" or Bullet nose starter" may work. Not sure. The thread below is a must read. MacVanPelt sells excellent starters with American made bendix.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...6432&showall=1

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Mine has been working for 30 years.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

great detailed write up and photos.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

my flattie has been running a 6v starter on 12v since 1992. last summer I broke my first bendix spring

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

As a general guide, starter motor armature commutators are never undercut. The starter brushes are hard enough to wear the mica in the slots down. Also if they are undercut then the copper dust from the brushes can fill the undercut slots and short out the comm segments. Generator comms require undercutting because the soft carbon brushes will not wear down the mica in the slots. Regards, Kevin.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

No need to convert

The stock Ford flathead 6 volt starter will last a lifetime on 12 volts like others have posted previously. My present 6 volt starter has been working perfectly for well over 30 years now on a highly modfied engine no less. ;)

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

For many cars the only differense in the part number list for starters from 6v to 12v is the bendix spring. slightly heavier i think.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

The starter engagement is harder running it on 12v volt so the issue is not that the starter itself will survive or not...more like that it will be harder on ring gear and bendix springs.

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V
 

And what explains all the many Bendix springs that have failed over the years while being operated on 6 volts ?

Re: How To Convert 6V Starter to 12V