Thread: converting from 6volt to 12volt

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sup, im looking for some help here...i daily drive a 51 buick straight 8 with 3 on the tree. i want to convert to a 12 volt system, so that i can run a new stereo system, a/c and my airbag compressor. i would like some help on what i need to do.

i now i need:
12v generator
12v regulator
12v bulbs for head and tails...

however, i dont know which generator to use, or where to get one in Miami, Fl.

which regulator to use, or where to get one.

i have mixed comments on the starter? should it be converted to 12volt or not?

the batter too will need to be 12volt, right?

any help or links in the right direction will help. thanks.

you'll need the following

a 12volt coil
12volt bulbs for EVERYTHING
use a 12volt Alt. rather then a generator cause the Alt. will produce more voltage, just adapt it to your stock generator bracket.
12volt battery
as for the starter the stock 6volt should be ok
if your gauges are electrical you'll have to upgrade them to 12volt or use a voltage drop on them

here's a few sites on the swap..
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/E...al/convert.htm
http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/six12.htm
http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/...y/6to12to6.php
http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/...o_12_volts.htm
http://www.myclassiccar.com/MCCTV/20...tip006108.html <~~ this one talks about using a 6/12volt battery that way you can keep you 6volt stuff but use a 12 volt battery & Alt or Generator


hope these help you......joe

If your starter isn't liking the 12volt, you could put a big resitor on the +12v connecting the battery to the starter.
For the ignition, you will also need a ballast resistor with the 12 volt coil if I'm not mistaken. A 6 volt system shouldn't need the ballast resistor.

these cars dont have a regulator?

i really hate this electrical stuff, it always freaks me out.

im going to go through the links tonight, thanks.

Originally posted by 76GMC1500
If your starter isn't liking the 12volt, you could put a big resitor on the +12v connecting the battery to the starter.
For the ignition, you will also need a ballast resistor with the 12 volt coil if I'm not mistaken. A 6 volt system shouldn't need the ballast resistor.

yep forgot about the resistor for the points on a 12volt system... as for the starter I really dout you'll have any problems w/it for many, many years to come. Personally I had a 62 Beetle & a 65 VW Notchback that both had the 6 volt starters on them for well over 10 yrs before I decided to use an automatic starter....joe

Double check that your vehicle uses a negative ground. Early Fords were positve ground so had to also swap wires on gages.

I'm doing the same thing on my 50 ford pickup right now plus changing to electronic ign.hope it cures my hard starting problem.