Thread: 6Volt to 12 Volt change

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I just bought a 52 F1 and among other things I want to change it to a 12 volt system. Does anyone know of where I can get either a comprehensive step by step set of instructions or hopefully a kit to make the change?

Here's one - ..:: Certified Auto Electric - 1952 Ford F1 ::.. There may be better, cheaper or more inclusive kits out there. Do you know LMC Truck? They will become your new berst friend. Ford Truck Parts and Truck Accessories from LMCTruck.com

there isn't a lot to that change. new bulbs altenator (one wire).All the switches and wire are double in amp size. Starter mtr but the 6 volt one in there will work, and A coil

could just get a 12 volt wiring harness, lots of little stuff can be problematic like the windshield wiper motor going super fast on twelve volts, but you can pickup 12v electric motors for them on ebay, etc. Most just need new alternator, lights all around, and wiper motor.don't foget the dash lights, not sure about the sending units.

Thanks everyone. Will the gauges work on 12 volts?

Having done 3 51-52s over the years here is what I found. First off plan on replacing all the original wiring, the original 60 year old cloth covered wire is a fire waiting to happen. If the switches are in good shape they all can be reused. As noted the coil will need to be changed (and make sure to use a ballast resistor).


"....Will the gauges work on 12 volts?...."

Of the 4 gauges, the fuel, temp and oil pressure will need a 12V to 6V voltage dropping resistor (available off E Bay) as these gauges use a common voltage source only one resistor is required. As far as the AMP meter it will work as is, but you need to know how to wire it. There is a loop on the back of the gauge and the main power wire from the generator (alternator) is threaded thru the loop. If you go with a 1 wire alternator the one wire from the alternator goes from it to the positive side of the battery. For the gauge to work that wire needs to be long enough to go from the alternator to the back of the gauge and then to the positive post of the battery (use at least a 10 gauge wire).

If the truck has a heater, you will want to either change the motor to 12V or use a separate dropping resistor for it.

The 51-2 could have either had vacuum or electric wipers. If you’re lucky and have electric wipers (and they still work) you will want to use a seperate 12 to 6 V resistor for this also. IF you have vacuum wipers you can either leave them (if you can live with it) or convert to electric (there are various kits on the market that may work).

The speedo, of course, no problem as is the ammeter. You will have to use a voltage drop resistor on the gas gauge as well as temp. gauge. The oil pressure gauge might be run via a bourdon tube. If not, it too will need a resistor. Here's a way to figure the sizes out as well as an alternate method: 6 To 12 Volt Conversion Guide .: Articles

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Great information, thanks everyone.