Quote:
Originally Posted by rotorwrench
9.2-volts minimum would be required to keep an 8-volt battery fully charged. The 6-volt system requires a minimum of 7.2-volts to keep it fully charged. To my way of thinking, it would be easier to properly repair and maintain the 6-volt system. Too many owners replaced the electrical cables to the battery and such with parts store specials that would barely carry 12-volts let alone 6-volts. A well maintained 6-volt system with the proper gauge wiring throughout will give little trouble even in cold weather.
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In theory, your assumption about 6v systems being adequate to power the pre 1956 cars sounds good, however, in the real world of everyday driving, especially in climates with severe temp swings, the "common" use of 8v batteries in cars/trucks was a must...
Reading up on automobile history will reveal that the vast majority of European cars, even those exported from the U.S. to Europe were equipped with 12v systems prior to 1941..
Of course it can be a challenge adding an 8v battery to a pre '37 Ford, the under floor battery case has limited space..