6v - 12v conversion on a 1965 Beetle - Hints, Tips, Parts needed? Who's done it?

[Lee.C]

Well as the title says guys......

I need to drop a later 12v 1600cc "single port" Bus engine into my 65 beetle so I can get it home to the UK.....

I know most of the things I need to do but there are a few small details I am not sure of like the STARTER MOTOR & FLYWHEELS.......

Also is there any "Clearancing" needed doing to the original 65 gearbox???

I know this is not really a "Cal Look" issue but I thought it best to ask more experienced people rather than the other Interweb "Experts" 

[Lee.C]

Fabian has been telling me that there is a 6volt starter that "Works" with a 12v flywheel 

Anyone know which starter this is??? Anyone know the part no:

[Erlend / bug66]

67 1500 6volt I would guess

[Lee.C]

67 1500 6volt I would guess

Yep thats what I was thinking.....

Anyone got one?? 

[Lids]

wouldn't it be easier just to swap the dynamo?

[Lee.C]

No cos its not just the dynamo.....
There is the fan to consider and if I went that route then I would have to swap the flywheel on the 1600sp and I am not to keen on doing that..... its kinda "Easyier" to go this 12v route 

Plus there is the fact that I need a new battery and 6volts Batteries are nearly 3 times the price of 12volt ones in norway! 

[henk]

Not sure it is only the 1500 starter that fit on a 12 volt flywheel.
I changed my 6volt '67 to 12volt as well,and it is a 1300 car.
I just left the 6volt starter in it and it fits on the 12v flywheel.
So it is on a 12volt 2110 now for two years or so all ready.

Henk!!!

[Rick Meredith]

OK Here's what I remember.

2 Options;

1. Use the 6 volt flywheel and starter. You'll get the smaller 180mm clutch. 6volt starter will work if you put on a 12v solenoid.

2. Use a 12 volt flywheel. You'll need to clearance the trans case for the larger flywheel. You can use 2 different starters. the SR15x which is the standard 12v starter. To use it, you'll need to swap out the starter bushing for a special adapter bushing that has the O.D. of the 6 volt one and the I.D. of the 12 volt one. Alternative is to use the SR17x starter. More expensive but doesn't require a bushing in the case.

[Dave Rosique]

                                                                       ^^^ What Rick said ^^^
One other thing, If you wanted to stay with a 6v flywheel & starter but prefer a 200mm clutch you would need a flywheel from a 66 or earlier type III.

[Lee.C]

Thanks guys......

I kinda want to go with the larger 12v flywheel thats already on the 1600sp engine, I am gonna need to clearance the Gearbox anyhow when I fit the SPG engine so I might as well do it now..... I will also be able to use this starter on that engine (when its done!)

So I guess I am looking for a 1967 13/1500 Starter motor

Again thanks for the hints & tips guys

[Lee.C]

Just wanna check.....

The SR15x is the standard "Late model" 12v starter

The SR17x is the "67" model 6v item

[Rick Meredith]

Not sure it is only the 1500 starter that fit on a 12 volt flywheel.
I changed my 6volt '67 to 12volt as well,and it is a 1300 car.
I just left the 6volt starter in it and it fits on the 12v flywheel.
So it is on a 12volt 2110 now for two years or so all ready.

Henk!!!

In theory, a normal 6v starter wont mesh with a 12v flywheel. 6v flywheels have 109 teeth with 180mm clutch and 12v are 132 teeth with a 200mm clutch. There was a flywheel that had a 180mm clutch with 132 teeth and that's probably what you had henk. It may have been '67 euro 1300 only as we don't have such a set up in the US.

[Rick Meredith]

Just wanna check.....

The SR15x is the standard "Late model" 12v starter

The SR17x is the "67" model 6v item

The SR15x is the Standard late model starter.

The SR17x is a 914 starter or T1/T3 Autostick starter. 12 volt but doesn't need a bushing. It's self supporting. Also if I remember it's a little stronger than the 15. I always used a 17 in my'67 for that reason.

[Lee.C]

Hmmmm ok so any ideas where I could get one of these SR17x 914/T1/T3 Autostick starters  

[Rick Meredith]

You may be able to find them closer or cheaper but Summit Racing has it for $90USD and they ship international.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-sr17x?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKEAiAqrqkBRCep-rKnt_r_lkSJAArVUBcZ8ohKbp7RBsRMFC32lad9bBY2lFfaHg2bNFCJXTMVxoC-qPw_wcB

[Lee.C]

Yeah thanks dude, I have just been checking and you can get these starter in the UK but they are around £150.00 (Thats over $250!!!)

I think I might go for this "Semi-Auto" style starter...... Seems like a Simple way to do it and I can get replacments if needed

[volkskris]

There is also a Skoda starter that works.

http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,5293.msg229177.html#msg229177
http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,6655.msg187097.html#msg187097

Maybe that one is easier to find?

[Lee.C]

So.........

With THESE starters all I need to do is "Clearance the bellhousing"   

[Rick Meredith]

Yes... that's a result of running the 200mm/132 tooth flywheel. I think the Skoda starter is self supporting as well so no bushing is needed.

[Lee.C]

Cool I just wanna be sure.....

Thanks for all the help everyone 

[alex d]

I would just swap everything to 12 volts, change the bushing in the trans and then you can use the cheap 12v starters

[Lee.C]

Yeah its probably the easy option......

I just wanted to get all the info I could then I can Mix & match ideas/parts

I am probably gonna use the "Semi-Auto" self surporting 12v starters......