Stereo Installation in a 1956 Chevy
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=37251
Printed Date: April 28, 2024 at 5:32 PM
Topic: Stereo Installation in a 1956 Chevy
Posted By: cacheman2k
Subject: Stereo Installation in a 1956 Chevy
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 4:07 PM
I have a 1956 Chevy with an original 15 amp generator, that's right, I said generator. Anyway, I have a 1000W set up, and I need more juice, will a new optima battery help any? Will it fry my generator? <img alt="image" src="https://img51.exs.cx/img51/6945/mychevy.jpg">
Replies:
Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 4:43 PM
a generator? must be well before my time. I'd have to say that an optima wont help out much. It might keep the car alive for a little bit but pushin 1000 watts is gona suck power down like theres no tomarrow. I dont know much about older cars as I deal with the new breed but I'd say see if there's a way to build an alternator into the system, but I may just be talkin out my ass since I dont event know if that would be possible. Anyway good luck, hope someone here has more of a clue than me.
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"Shiny chrome when used in conjunction with bikini models is particularly effective in inducing brain deficit disorder"
02 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monster System on its way.
Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 4:54 PM
You should swap out that generator for a good high output alternator. You should also update your wiring as well. 1000 watts? Go with 1/0 gauge wire to be safe-that along with a H/O alternator will give you a good starting point with out the need for a cap. At least that's what I would do if I were in your situation. ------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel. 
Posted By: 2002sportside
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 6:55 PM
15 amp generator? I thought I was in trouble with a 30amp gen in my bug... You are going to have to upgrade to an alternator. I doubt you will need anything too big though... your '56 has almost no current demand by itself. The good thing about an old car is the gen/alt only has to power the ignition and lights... there are no sensors, computers, and other stuff that draws power in todays vehicles. Right now you are probably only using about 10 amps to run the car... how big is the draw on your amp? I'd just add the original 15 amps to the amplifier's power needs and get something bigger than that. It's also a good idea to upgrade the power and grounds... I'd also get an Optima too. Better power with a reserve capacity and it won't leak. There are plenty of places to get an alternator for your '56. Summit and Jegs come to mind without searching. Looking quickly a 110 amp alternator is around $200. Just figure out your needs and start looking...
Posted By: $uperflame$
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:06 PM
if you have a original 56 chevy, i would say leave it alone, its worth more stock
Posted By: 2002sportside
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:15 PM
^ An alternator can be taken out and the system can be removed. Whats the point of owning the car if he can't enjoy it the way he wants to? I wouldn't do anything to it that can't be undone but it's not my car... cacheman, I've been looking for generator conversion how-tos for you but I can't find anything too specific. Hopefully you can find a kit that has everything you need. I would imagine they are out there... they are for everything else.
Posted By: $uperflame$
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:48 PM
im not sher but i think your car runs on 6volts, you would have to rewire the hole car if its a 6volt system, if it is i would just add a alternator and a battery to power the amps only , you should have room if its a v8 summit and meny alternator mounting kits,
Posted By: $uperflame$
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:50 PM
^ www.summitracing.com has meny mounts for old V8s
Posted By: 2002sportside
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:53 PM
I think you have to go back further than that to find a 6v chevy...
Posted By: $uperflame$
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 7:54 PM
wow just seen the pic, and thats a sweet ride, its best to leave the stock stuff alone and add around it, i build and own only old shools ,
Posted By: 2002sportside
Date Posted: August 12, 2004 at 8:03 PM
I second that... I wouldn't cut anything to make a newer radio fit, I'd keep original and hide the newer system. But, we don't know what shape the car truly is in just from a pic. BTW, 1955 appears to be the changeover year from 6v to 12v. I honestly thought it was earlier than that...
Posted By: cacheman2k
Date Posted: August 13, 2004 at 9:22 AM
Thanks for all the advise. Man, I got a tough desision.. I love my stock setup, but I also love loud music. I thought about it a lot last night, if I keep running this 1000 W setup, I'm going to kill my generator for sure. And that optima battery will only make matters worse by increasing the load on the generator. I'm going to look into 1 wire altenators, I will probably have to build custom brackets for it somehow because I run an uncommon engine (original inline 6) I already cut the dash for my stereo, I kinda regret it, but like I said I love loud music. Thanks everyone
Posted By: cacheman2k
Date Posted: August 13, 2004 at 9:27 AM
I just re-read superflame's post. I think he is on to something, If I have to build custom brackets anyway, I could leave my generator and original wiring alone, and add an alternator just for the stereo on an isolated circuit with the optima battery, I could even add another amp this way for some components. There is an extra pulley on the crankshaft, so it might just work. I will have to look closer at my car when I get home tonight, maybe take some pictures and see if anyone has some good ideas.
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