starting my 53 with 12v

[Hydrive53]

Thanks for all the info, and I have completed all the things that you all have said to do. I had put the car in storage, and when I did I put oil down the plug holes. and every other week end I would turn the engien over by hand. so it is not stuck, like some of the cars that get left. I plan on trying to start it this weekend, I hope if it is not to cold out side. and thanks for all the help. Also this is no way going to be a show car I plan on driving this car alot this summer and fall. ;D

[Edwin]

If you haven't run the engine for so long time it is best you crank the engine first without the sparkplugs in. This will allow the oil pump feeding oil to the bearings first. By doing so the engine will not build up pressure in the pistons and the bearings will not wear because the friction is very low. Also try to turn the engine by hand first so you will know if it is stuck. If you put in some engine oil like Go said, be shure to do this with the engine pointed into the wind. This will create a good smoke screen. My opinion is, crank the engine by hand first. Then do it with the starter with spark plugs removed until you can see there is oil pressure. Then try it with the spark plugs in. Putting oil in the cilinder is in my opinion not nessasary because the cilinder wall will be lubricated in the run without the spark plugs. This will prevent carbon build up in the cilinder.

Good luck.

[Captain Cranbrook]

If you want an inexpensive 6-volt battery, Sam's Club has them for $29.95 each, usually in stock.

[Go Fleiter]

Well, I suggest to disconnect the generator pulley rubber (water pump is not needed either for a couple of minutes) so You don?t have to bother regulator- 12V Batt  relation! "hear" it on 12V Batt power. The ign coil may possibly not stand 12 V for a long time.
Nice hearing!!!  Go.

[Hydrive53]

Thanks and I have finished on all the work with the engine, (oil,plugs,wires,wire harness,ect..) just need a bat to get it started, but want to get one that will also fit my Jordan. Went to a local bat store but did not have anything that would work for me, I need to go to some old car parts place to get one. I am getting to the point whare I just want to hear the Plymouth run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Go Fleiter]

You better try to turn the crankshaft by Hand, after having put some Oil into the Sparkplug holes at least.
12 V will hurt Radio and Lamps, maybe the tank unit, so you better don?t let any cables on the starter solenoid other than needed to start.
12 V will not hurt the starter, ingnition coil  + sparks for a long time.
Consider pumping (fresh!!) gas to the carburetor , the gaspumping is too much work for the poor starter motor.
I always start with 12 V (additional Batt between solenoid and starter), giving 12 also to the ignition coil while starting
Have  a 12 V shunt gas pump. Starts every time with hot or cold engine.
Good Luck! Go.

[Hydrive53]

I know that I sould know this, but if I hook up a 12v bat to my 1953 that is a 6v and don't turn anything on (lites ect..) will I damage anything on the wiring side of the car???? I know I need to get a 6v bat, but want to find out if the car will run before I go out and spend the money on a 6v bat and the thing still will not run (the car has sat for 8 years) I have been working on this thing and would love to hear it run if only for a small time. I don't intend to drive it out, but am hopping to get it started soon. thanks for any help or input. P.S. the front clip is still off the car.