Electrical questions/help

[DonB]

Electrical question for everyone..…And please be kind, I’m in no way an expert with wiring. I have finally completed my restoration to the point of installing all the components back onto the frame (i.e. motor, transmission, transfer case, brakes, fuel system, tires, etc.). I would like to do the minimal wiring to fire up the engine and check to make sure all the systems are working correctly before mounting the cab and other components. I am switching the system over to 12 volts with an alternator. This is a complete rebuild, so no current wiring exists at this point other than the spark plug wires.
From what I’ve researched, this is what I’ve come up with. As I stated, I’m not a guru with wiring, so that’s why I’m asking for advice here.

1. Ground from battery to engine block
2. Positive battery to starter
3. Positive battery to switch
4. Switch to resistor, then resistor to positive on coil (12 volt)
5. Negative on coil to distributor
6. Alternator to positive on battery

Things I’m not sure of: do I need a solenoid or is it built into the starter?, do I need to wire in the voltage regulator somewhere?

[DonB]

Forgot to add, Truck is a 1954 FFPW

[W_A_Watson_II]

Here is a simple early PW wiring diagram:
C3PW-6Volt.jpg

Here is the minimum needed to operate the Engine (bypassing the Ammeter):
Min Engine Wiring.jpg

[DonB]

Thank you, that clears up a bunch. The whole solenoid/generator thing had me stumped, but apparently the original 6 volt starters have an internal solenoid. As I said, I'm not real savvy when it comes to electrical.

Also, I have a replacement Delco single pole alternator. I'm assuming it connects directly to the pos. terminal on the battery?

Thank you again.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Yours welcome. As for the 1 wire alternator, depending on the model/unit that could be correct. Check with the manufacture to be sure, as you don't want it to be a battery drain.

[Cheyenne Dave]

Hi Don. You had two questions that caught my eye, one alternator, one starter.

If you are using the single wire GM alternator, it is internally regulated.

If you are using the o.e.m. starter, and the ignition switch has no momentary start position, there are no solenoids involved with a mechanically activated starter.

cd

[DonB]

thumbnail_IMG_20190627_223006493.jpgthumbnail_IMG_20190627_223014995.jpg

BTW, here's my truck and where I am in the build.

[Matthew Welcher PWA]

Don, the starter doesn't have a solenoid with the foot actuated starter lever.

It uses a starter switch that is actuated through the lever on the top of the starter.

I will try and attach a photo of the wiring when using a one wire alternator.

[Matthew Welcher PWA]

Don all I had was a PDF, I did just send you an email.

[DonB]

Hey Matt,

I got the email with the PDF, thanks.

The tires I ended up getting were Cooper Discoverer STT Pro LT 37X12.50R17 Load D 8 Ply M/T Mud Tire 2016 off of EBAY