Help with Flathead Ford F-4 Truck

Foot Starter, uses a mechanical linkage to throw the bendix and bridge power to the starter. Many Foot Starter Levers have extra linkage that opens the throttle slightly at the same time, to make it easier to start. (My '48 Dodge has the additional linkage to open the throttle)

It'll be Positive Ground. Converting to Negative Ground is simple. The Amp Gauge wires have to be swapped (reversed), that's pretty much it.

Converting to 12 Volt is simple to. Swap out the light bulbs for 12 volt versions, replace the voltage regulator with a 12 Volt version (now would be a good time to upgrade to a Alternator instead of the ancient Generator)

Install a Resistor to drop the voltage to 6v if you plan to power any original accessories (if 12 Volt replacements aren't available. But for Fords and a Chevy's, those parts are available everywhere).

The wiring is twice as heavy as newer 12 Volt vehicles, and if it's in good condition, can work perfectly for the 12 Volt conversion (twice the volts, half the amperage). The starter requires no modifications to work with 12 Volt. Now would be a good time to add some fuses to the electrical system, you'll find it has no fuses (factory) unless it has had aftermarket turn signals added (in which case there will be 2 fuses and 2 turn signal/hazard flashers)


Took me about an hour to convert my '48 Dodge Truck over to Negative Ground and 12 Volt (including the installation of a "modern 70's Chrysler Alternator & Regulator), using just parts I had on hand/laying around the shop. Reused most of the original wiring, added some additional wiring to power an aftermarket radio/cd player.

Total cost? Free to convert to 12 Volt and Negative Ground, because I had an alternator, battery, regulator, fuse box, wire and a "Volt-A-Drop" Resistor to power my 6V (original) Radio, Heater and optional 2-Speed Wipers