Can anyone tell me where to start? I searched the forums but did not turn up anything useful. Thanks in advance! 
54Rat210
6 volt to 12 volt conversion
Can anyone tell me where to start? I searched the forums but did not turn up anything useful. Thanks in advance!
I have never done this but IMO......
How is the wiring?.... If it's old and worn.... replace
Alt.... I'd go with a newer style, internal regulator type (which will take care of your old 6v regulator)
Battery
Light bulbs, you’ll have to change every one, to include the gauges, dome, marker, head lights etc…
Fuses should be OK, but if I’m going thru all this trouble I’d replace them along with the wiring
Starter
Radio
AC/Heater blower motor, if equipped
Horn, should work for a while at least
Gauges, if they are electrical they will have to be rebuilt or a voltage limiting resister installed
Probably missed some things
How is the wiring?.... If it's old and worn.... replace
Alt.... I'd go with a newer style, internal regulator type (which will take care of your old 6v regulator)
Battery
Light bulbs, you’ll have to change every one, to include the gauges, dome, marker, head lights etc…
Fuses should be OK, but if I’m going thru all this trouble I’d replace them along with the wiring
Starter
Radio
AC/Heater blower motor, if equipped
Horn, should work for a while at least
Gauges, if they are electrical they will have to be rebuilt or a voltage limiting resister installed
Probably missed some things
new drive train ?
6 starters will work ok. just dont crank more than 5 seconds on them. you should have the engine tuned so it will start quicker than that, back in the day we used to put in a 6 volt starter in a 12 volt car so we could get the car to start in below ZERO weather.... have you checked the links at the bottom of this page ?
6 starters will work ok. just dont crank more than 5 seconds on them. you should have the engine tuned so it will start quicker than that, back in the day we used to put in a 6 volt starter in a 12 volt car so we could get the car to start in below ZERO weather.... have you checked the links at the bottom of this page ?
I'd think about keeping the starter, I guess it would depend on availibility of the 12v one, they really are not that expensive, and no way I'd be left stranded for a 100 bucks.
May I ask, what is it that you don't like about the 6 volt system?
Do you have a starting problem? or are the headlights too weak? There are a number of things that can be done to improve these without having to convert.
I was going to convert my old '48 to 12 volts during the restoration ..and I am so glad I didn't now.
I wanted to switch to 12 volt because 6 volts components were hard to get..BUT there is NOTHING I have not been able to get between the local jobbers, specialty suppliers and of course..eBay.
No matter which way you look at it, converting the system is a PITA. It takes money, time and effort. And yes, there are benefits..I won't deny that, but there are ways of improving the drive-ability of 6 volts cars/trucks.
Vic
Do you have a starting problem? or are the headlights too weak? There are a number of things that can be done to improve these without having to convert.
I was going to convert my old '48 to 12 volts during the restoration ..and I am so glad I didn't now.
I wanted to switch to 12 volt because 6 volts components were hard to get..BUT there is NOTHING I have not been able to get between the local jobbers, specialty suppliers and of course..eBay.
No matter which way you look at it, converting the system is a PITA. It takes money, time and effort. And yes, there are benefits..I won't deny that, but there are ways of improving the drive-ability of 6 volts cars/trucks.
Vic
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