Thread: 6 to 12 volt conversion 55 ford

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whats the best way to go from 6 to 12 volt w/out burning up the 55 already fried the lighter , no fuses in 55?

Originally posted by george66
whats the best way to go from 6 to 12 volt w/out burning up the 55 already fried the lighter , no fuses in 55?

this might help
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...on_Guide_.html

Change the lights to 12 v bulbs, the starter solenoid 12 volts, leave the 6 volt starter
Put a sheet metal screw into the middle lug of the battery for a 6 volt tap for guages and radio

Jerry Clayton

Denny

I guess I should of explained better-

Yes two 6 volt batteries in series would work fine

You will have to look for a battery that you can see were the tie bars are that connect the cells, sometimes they are more exposed than on some of the newer batteries--each cell makes 2 volts--you can tap in for what ever voltage you need

Worked on my 55 Ford !!!!

Jerry

The best way to do the conversion is to throw away all the old wire and put in an aftermarket kit. Then you have fuses for everything. I did just that on my 54 Ford. Its the best move. All your switches (if they are in good condition) will run fine on 12 volts - headlight, ignition, heater blower, etc. Lighter will have to be changed as you already found out. Heater motor will have to be changed or you will need a voltage drop. Get a blower motor for a 56 - I assume they are the same. For your guages get one of those voltage drops Ford used from 57 into the 70's/80's (these are for gauges only-do not use anywhere else). Go to an alternator with integral regulator. You don't need to do anything to the starter or distributor. Need a 12 volt coil, make sure you use a resistor. Your only problem may be the radio - some won't take to a change in polarity and you will need a voltage drop for it. Change all bulbs to their 12V equivilent. I probably forgot something but this is a start.