Thread: Changing from 6 to 12 volts revisited

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I posted this question on Daffy427's thread but never received a response. Since that thread really concentrated on a 6/12 hybrid system rather than a full conversion to 12 volts, I thought I would try again in a separate thread.

I am looking into upgrading my 40 Graham from 6 to 12 volts and have been doing some planning as to what parts I will need for the conversion. I believe I have most of the problems worked out, but I have two questions.

First, the Graham's electrical system is 6 volt positive ground and I want to switch it over to a 12 volt negative ground. What needs to be done to make this switch?

Second, the headlight system uses a bulb and cannot be easily changed to sealed beam. The bulbs used are marked as GE 2320 which appears to be the model number (they also have printed on them "32 & 320 6 - 8v.") I have no idea whether this is a commonly used bulb for this era or not. Does anyone know if there is a modern 12volt bulb replacement or is there a conversion to halogen bulbs and where would such replacements be available?

Originally Posted by RestoRod

I posted this question on Daffy427's thread but never received a response. Since that thread really concentrated on a 6/12 hybrid system rather than a full conversion to 12 volts, I thought I would try again in a separate thread.

I am looking into upgrading my 40 Graham from 6 to 12 volts and have been doing some planning as to what parts I will need for the conversion. I believe I have most of the problems worked out, but I have two questions.

First, the Graham's electrical system is 6 volt positive ground and I want to switch it over to a 12 volt negative ground. What needs to be done to make this switch?

Second, the headlight system uses a bulb and cannot be easily changed to sealed beam. The bulbs used are marked as GE 2320 which appears to be the model number (they also have printed on them "32 & 320 6 - 8v.") I have no idea whether this is a commonly used bulb for this era or not. Does anyone know if there is a modern 12volt bulb replacement or is there a conversion to halogen bulbs and where would such replacements be available?

i look in to this the bulb is ez to find in 6 v not hard to find but have not found a 12 volts replacement every one went to seald beam i think you may find some thing in 12 volts i think you can just use a conversion kit like for a old ford

Thanks Pat:
Do you know if this bulb was also used in early Fords? The Graham uses a headlight that is built into the fender and is an unusual, almost square shape so a sealed beam would not work. I looked into using a square sealed beam as used in some late 60's and early 70's, but it will not fit behind the glass covers without extensive remodelling.
Do you know what is required to change from positive to negative ground?

the 17810 hal bulb could work with some work? with a new hook up. your bulb is a g e 2320 that bulb was used in many car not in the 32 ford other fords i do not know. as for your negative ground . i would just rewire it your going 12 volts any ways right ? you are not saving any thing from the old 6v ?

can you post a picture of the bulb and head light bucket with lens removed because I think you can adapt a late model halogen bulb the type that is removed from the rear and the polarity should not be a problem except for the gages and they can be updated .....ted

Believe it or not you may want to try some of the forklift or tractor repair shops. My brothers 39 Dodge took some off the wall headlight bulb and I could only find them at a Clark forklift repair shop...joe

here is the bulb yes i think the gauges will not work with the + ground

Thanks for your replies.

Pat: Yes, that looks exactly like the bulb I have. I will have to research the 17810 bulb to see if it can be used.

Ted: Pat has supplied a picture of the bulb. Unfortunately, the car is stored for the winter but I will be going there over the holidays and will try to get a picture of the bucket.

Joe: I don't know of any forklift repair shops near here, but I will certainly look into that possibility.

As to the gauges, what do the folks with early Fords do? I believe they are positive ground as well. I am going to run into this same problem with the MGA since it is also positive ground although it does not require a change from 6 volts to 12.

Thanks again for your help. Murray

http://www.bayourovers.com/trick11.html
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...on_Guide_.html
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/E...al/convert.htm
http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/...uth/index.html
http://www.spritespot.com/Downloads/...Conversion.pdf
http://www.alternatorparts.com/6_vol...ors_&_kits.htm

Here's another one I found over on HAMB, but this guy shows how to do ...joe

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=318111

I think about the only to issues you have with changing ground, is the direction of motors and function of guages. As to the motors, you could change the polarity internally and you're good. AS for the guages, you could replace them with some preiod correct units, or you could possibly isolate them and leave them positive ground. Also available, are specialty shops which can rebuild the guages to positive ground.

Thanks everyone. Those links have a lot of good information and I will have to spend some time going over them.

Finally found some 12 Volt headlight bulbs (halogen) for the Graham. I located them at a business in Australia "Classic and Vintage Bulbs" http://www.classicandvintagebulbs.com/
The owner Anthony Pearson was actually visiting the Hershey Swap Meet when I contacted him by e-mail and shipped them to me from there. Great guy to deal with and I highly recommend them for any headlight or bulb issues you may have.