how can my 59 chevy have a 6 volt set up and use a 12 volt battery?

Question

I know nothing about cars , maybe shade tree stuff..
the only reason I ask is mine still has the generator and not an alternator , so does that mean its 6 volt , or where there 12 volt generators in 1959.

Answer 1

Chrysler changed from generators to alternators in 1957 and they were all 12 volt. I seem to remember some mid fifties cars being 6 volt but by 1959, all were 12 volt. Want to make you car more reliable, have it converted to an alternator. The change is simple and you can get what is called a one wire alternator that will do nicely. If you want to keep the generator look, I recently came across an outfit that makes alternators that look like generators.

Answer 2

A 59 should be 12 volt. The generator was used through the mid 60's in a lot of cars. A generator makes DC (direct current) while an alternator makes AC (alternating current). Either can be set up to make 6, 12, 24 volts, or whatever is needed. So, in short, a generator does not necessarily mean that your vehicle is 6 volt.

Answer 3

You can get the part number off of the generator and call the local auto part store to look it up, or it the manufacture plate is still on it it will say if it is 6 or 12 volt. 6 volt systems can only use a 6 volt battery. There are electronic devices that can convert, but they are expensive.

Answer 4

there were 12 volt generators in 59, they used generators until 68 on chevys.

Answer 5

1959 cheverolet products were 12 volt

Answer 6

I have a 1965 MG that has a generator and a separate voltage regulator, it's a 12v system.

Answer 7

That would be a 12v generator - unless someone changed it at some point and put the wrong one in.

Answer 8

the 6volt system,s went out in the early to mid 50,s.....your,s has a 12volt dc generator.!