Yup, he's right--the '56 is already a 12 volt system. I had the same thoughts when I bought my '54, and it was already a 12 volt, too. What might be throwing you is that it's a generator system, rather than a modern-style alternator charging system.<BR>There's really nothing too bad about having a generator. I've got A/C on mine, and it keeps up just fine.<BR>If you elect to stick with the generator, here are a couple of tips I've learned along the way:<BR>Shop around and have it rebuilt by a reputable shop. I paid one guy $65 for what turned out to be a re-paint, new bearing and brushes. I found a little mom&pop shop that put in brand new windings, etc. and did a true rebuild for $35 after the first rebuild burned out.<BR>A good shop can "beef" them up a bit.<BR>From the factory, there were heavy duty generators that put out a little more power. These were found on factory A/C cars, cars with lots of power accessories, ambulances, trucks, etc. <BR>Our generators are the same as those found on '55-57 Chevys (except Power Steering). Classic Chevy International used to offer a generator rebuild kit (1-800-456-1957 for info)<BR>Finally, if you don't already have one, get yourself a factory shop manual. Honestly, you should never own an old car and not have the manual for it. By and large, local service centers are useless as far as we're concerned, so we're on our own. A factory manual, and a Motors Repair Manual (NOT the Flat Rate Manual) from the time period will help with your diagnostics. If you can't score these at a local swap meet, call 1-800-MOTORHEAD and order their Vintage Parts Locator for Buicks--it's a national directory of everyone who sells anything Buick related, including literature. These three manuals will answer almost all your questions, and they're worth every penny.<BR>Good Luck!<BR>-Brad