The 6 volt battery in my 1938 Pontiac had died. I use a 12 volt to crank/shart the engine. Could I use a Lawn Tractor 260 cranking amp battery to run the 6 volt charging, ignition and lighting system? (And save $70) !! Thanks!
This is a temporary setup until I switch over to 12v. I have to sell the 38, and will let the buyer decide to restore or go with a late model engine and or 12v..
You have a '38 Pontiac in good enough shape to run and drive, that you're trying to sell, and you're worried about saving $70? If it was a $500 beater, that would make sense, but then you could go to a pick-a-part and get a battery for $20. But if a '38 Pontiac was a $500 car you'd be lucky it had all the doors and wheels on it. I wouldn't screw around, it will be a lot easier to sell if you can just turn the key, hit the starter and go.
not real expensive, either. http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/exide-heavy-duty-farm-battery-com-1-hp
I agree w rustynewtoeker ..., stop messing around and do it once the right way. Your car will sell easier also if there's no monkey business with batteries. Lawn tractor batteries don't belong in cars for a reason , You can buy a 6v car battery on Amazon for cheap at have it shipped free . Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Right on with Tractor Supply: The Exide tractor series has more Cold Cranking amps (625) than their competitors, plus the $79 Exide is cheaper. (others at $89, $99) Some 6 volt batteries are priced above $100... "Obsolete" Hah!
A lawn mower battery is 12 volts - it is gonna fry the lights, ignition and regulator just as quick as a full size 12 volt battery. Volts is volts..................
Here is another solution. Shameless plug for a hometown business http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/accessories.html
If you just want to start it up and demonstrate that it runs a 12v battery will work. Make sure lights, radio, heater, etc are all turned off and don't run the engine for more than 10 minutes. Also don't grind and grind on the starter, if it doesn't start right away.
Well, there goes my $70 beer and pizza money. Tractor Supply is the answer, 6 volt Exide (F3EH), 850 CCA, 19.25" x 4.25" x 9.875", $99.00 I will find out if it turns over as good as the 12vstart only setup. My Silver Streek and I thank all for the comments and advice.
It will not spin over as fast on the 6v, even a good new 6v battery than it does on 12v. It will turn over plenty good to start and run if the engine is decent shape.
The Jalopy Journal
