Re: Converting back to six volt

Posted by HH56 On 2024/5/13 9:38:26

I would go with the 00 size. Even though the small engine isn't that much of a load it would be more to try and minimize voltage drop because of the long cable length between the battery and the starter. I doubt a modern parts store will offer anything much larger than a #1 or #2 gauge for 6v so you will probably have to get a cable in the larger 00 gauge custom made perhaps thru one of our vendors or someplace like Brillman or one of the wiring loom places.

As to the ground straps, I believe 41 had a thick braided cable between the battery and a nearby point on the frame and then another short length of braided cable between a frame bolt on the X member and a bolt on the engine block or transmission. IMO, while not stock it would not hurt to add another 8 or 10 gauge braided strap somewhere so it would go between the block or the frame to a point on the body or firewall. That extra ground could help with any lights that rely on getting ground thru the old possibly rusted or corroded original frame to sheetmetal or sheetmetal to sheetmetal connections.

If you are going to add a battery disconnect switch then you might need to rethink braid vs cable. You could place a disconnect in the hot cable going to the starter as many have done but with the battery under the seat and dealing with that confined access opening when working with the battery terminals, IMO the disconnect would be better in the ground side between the battery and connection to frame. If you do that then you would need to have another 00 insulated battery cable between the battery positive ground terminal and switch instead of using the bare braid ground terminal.