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I have 50' standard 8. Having trouble starting it, engine is laboring..Starter, generator and carburetor rebuilt..

It was suggested to convert to 12 volt system to give it more kick.

planning on changing out voltage regulator, coil, generator and bulbs. Keeping starter at 6 volt.

Do I have to change out wiring too? or can I leave it?

Probably just causing yourself more problems changing voltage, adding additional problems rather than solving the present ones.

Generally 6 volt uses heavier wire than 12 volt as it carries more amps at the lower voltage.

Check battery cables to be sure that the terminals on both ends are clean and check that you are not using a light weight 12 volt cables. 12 volt cables appear to be maybe 3/8 inch around while 6 volt are closer to 5/8 - 3/4 in size to carry the load.

Just a suggestion, check the timing, hard to describe, but when you say laboring, timing can give that feeling that the engine is fighting itself when cranking.

I'm in the process of converting my "49 Club Sedan to 12 volt. It's not a simple conversion to do it right. I've seen a lot of hacked up conversions where people try to mate 12 volt to old wiring and components. My car is currently 6 volt positive ground and has an 6 volt alternator and all new wiring. I'm converting it to set it up for a Vintage Air AC system, Newport electric windshield wipers and a modern gauge set for the speedometer and four gauges. I'll post the conversion on the Packard Club Forum.

Good Morning...You should have double 00 size cables.


If you have old ones, they can have corrosion inside them that will mess up the power coming through them.


A humble suggestion is to purchase three new cables and take the third one from the positive ground to the frame...You can use Marine Terminals,from Napa, to make it easy to attach the second ground cable...

The extra ground cable really makes a difference. I have one on both my 49 Packard and 31 Ford. They both start easy...

also the above comment regarding timing is right on the money... Have a great Packard day. Ernie in Arizona

G'day ORAYA,
to PackardInfo and, I invite you to include your '50 Packard Eight in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Just be aware that there have been a few reports over the years of 6 volt starters breaking the snout off when the bendix gear slams into the end under the additional speed caused by 12 volts. This may not happen to you but... it has happened.

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ORAYA, the 6-volt system was completely capable and competent when new and unless you are planning on adding A/C, I suggest you bring the 6-volt system back to specification and avoid the problems that often arise with incomplete or incorrectly done conversions.

Also adding 12V electric windshield wipers.

Thanks for all the replies. Going to try this first:
I am putting in new 6 volt ignition coil, replacing the original. Switching out battery to new 6 volt Optima Red Top battery (800 cold cranking amps), and putting in 00 size cables...(Had 1 gauge) Engine hasn't started in 40 years, sat garaged. BUT it did run when it was last parked..

for including your '50 Eight Sedan in the Registry.