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3 minute(s) of a 57 minute read
12-5-2012
Hey Jedd....ordered some stuff for my 12V conversion today. Only thing I need now is that Delco 10SI alternator and some voltage reducer goodness. I think I found one like you described. I read about the Chevy S10 heater motor but it required some modification. If I'm going to spend money on a part, it will be for a 12V 544 heater motor, though I'm still hoping to get this old one running again.
What did you do about the starter solenoid? From what I've read, it doesn't need a voltage reducer if you don't plan on cranking it for extended periods of time, and it doesn't need a DR. I don't think you can put a 12V solenoid on the B16B starter. I can't even find a part number for an individual solenoid...looks like they're all built in to the top of the starter.
And thanks for all your help so far!
12-9-2012
Most of the rear suspension stuff has come in now and I have almost all the things for the 12V conversion with the exception of the alternator and a voltage reducer Jedd pointed me towards. I'm going to soda blast the components in the back to clean them up and prime/paint them before reinstalling them so things look a bit better under her bum.
Just need the weather to cooperate (garage isn't heated).
1-22-2013
Update...12V conversion and rear suspension upgrade completed.
The rear suspension was shot, as I suspected. The torque rod bushings were wearing out, but the main issue was the complete lack of any front bushings on the trailing arm. Nothing.
Before pic (after soda blasting the rear axle):
After pics (I have to clean up the RTV on the diff cover). I soda-blasted and refinished all the metal bits in black or "ipd-ish" blue:
12V conversion went fairly smooth, aside from my ignition switch frying itself. It was acting up before this anyway, so I put in a universal switch and mounted a push-button start on the e-brake bracket (under left side of dash). jedd was a HUGE help in getting this done, so thanks again for all the help, brother.
Firewall:
Headlight and horn relays:
Oh yeah, got the heater motor working. Had to remove it and beat on it a bit and spin it by hand. It was just seized up.
Now I'm trying to figure out the vacuum advance on the rear carb, as the PO or the previous PO broke it and cut the copper line to the dizzy. It may help with the lack of power (or the engine is just really tired).