Thread: Dual Voltage Car Battery

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Has anybody ever heard of a dual voltage battery? It's suppose to have a terminal for 6 volts and another terminal for 12 volts.

Somebody told me about this, but I couldn't seem to find anything about it on the internet...

Thanks.

I don't know of 1 being produced but I know people make them.. a battery cell produces 2.1 volts each, so you tap a sheet metal screw into the 3rd cell of a 12v battery and use that screw to power your 6v stuff

Clever!

Yep---I had a 55 ford that was 6 volts--in 56 they went to 12---I put 12 volt generator and starter on mine and used a sheet metal screw into the 3rd cell for 6 volts to run the radio ( push button)

Two 6 volt batteries in series gives you 12 volts, tap between the two...6 volts...

This Place sells t hem

Ohh very clever indeed.

Thanks for you input you guys.

Sorry, before I posted this question I should have given you a little background info on what I plan to do.

I'm restoring a 1951 studebaker that runs on a 6 volt positive ground system. I wanted to put in Sebring convertible seats for added safety, which of course need a 12 volt system.

So do you think a dual voltage battery would be work? Or should I take a different route?

Be careful with the Sebring seats, they MAY have a loaded charge in the seat belt mechanism that will tighten the belt in in impact.. therefor, retrofitted into your Stude would be more dangerous, as that function will not work

The problem I see is the "positive ground system" most if not all your 12v stuff would be neg ground.... so you need to take special care when mixing the 2

MM64

if all he is using the 12v source for is the seats. they use a seperate ground wire that goes into the seat.. so you just hook that to power

Originally Posted by Matt167

if all he is using the 12v source for is the seats. they use a seperate ground wire that goes into the seat.. so you just hook that to power

That will work as long as the seat frame is isolated from the motor/control grounds. But then you can't use one of those 6/12 volt batteries.

Don't screw around with different combinations that may leave you stranded in the woods. Convert the whole thing to 12 volts negative ground and be done with it. Do it the correct way. Very easy to do. Get an aftermarket harness and rewire the car to modern standards.

Yeah, I will probably convert it to a 12 volt system...I was just researching my options to see if there was anything easier that I could do.

If anybody has any good sites/threads/info about a 6 volt pos to 12 volt neg conversion that would be much appreciated!

The battery your looking for is made by Antique Auto Battery , just google them and they will come up

8 years ---------