12Volt Conversion Part Preferences?

[Powerhouse]

Hello all,

IF one was to convert to 12volt, which make of parts is preferred? Also what is the cost if ya know? (This would be for a 39-floor start )

NEEDED for conversion:

- Battery

- Alternator w/internal regulator (WHAT AMP RATING?)

- Single dropping resistor for all 6v instruments and accessories(electric fuel pump, wiper, tach, rad fan, heater, etc.)

OR

- Voltage reducer per Instrument

- 12v Coil w/resistor

- 12 volt bulbs

That's all that is needed, correct?

As far as polarity...How does one reverse it. Is it as simple as the battery connections?

Edited October 13, 2010 by Powerhouse

[Young Ed]

Your only 6v instrument is the fuel gauge. Rest of your list looks good. You are missing all the 12v lightbulbs.

[Powerhouse]

Thanks. I forgot the bulbs... I have just edited the above list.

The ammeter would be OK?

Edited October 8, 2010 by Powerhouse

[Gary Manes]

I am not sure what vehicle you are converting. If it is a Dodge (D-24), or for that matter a P-15 with a radio you will need the step down gizmos for your radio, and for the Dodge one for the electric wipers as well.

The 1954 Desoto I was examining at the garage where I had my Chrysler rebuilt had been converted to 12 volts by the new owner. He clearly had no concept as to all the steps involved. To demonstrate this the owner of the garage turned on the wipers for me, and I thought they were going to fly off the car. Now, everone knows the MOPAR electric wipers had two speeds--slow, and slower. About half of the bulbs had already burned out.

All he had changed was the alternator (one wire) and the internals on the distributor, and screwed up the wiring in the process. That is why he had it in the garage--to try to get the wires back where they needed to be.

I tried to offer assistance, etc if he needed it as he moved forward; hoping in the back of my mind he might decide to sell it. It has the 273 hemi and powerflite automatic. Would look good in my '48 coupe. He did mention he had a friend with a 1954 Windsor with a 265 flat head and powerflite for sale. God willing, I'll get one of these for my '48.

Good luck on your conversion.

[martybose]

If you are switching to a 12V negative ground, you would need to switch the wires on the ammeter to read correctly.

I used an 80 amp alternator, but rarely see the needle all of the way to 30 amp charge.

Marty

[Powerhouse]

Thanks.

I just saw this web page... http://www.kansasselectproducts.com/12V%20Conversion%20Guide.htm

VERY INFORMATIVE!

He explains why a 3 wire my be better...and why it isn't hard at all to connect. He also explains why the 10SI will NOT charge at it's full capacity without a certain way of wiring. With an "on/off" ignition switch as is found in our cars...a 3 wire is the best way to go....or you risk a drain on the battery when not in use. There's a bunch of other reasons too. A 5 minute read and well worth it.

He has created a one stop place for buying all the things you need to do the conversion.

[Powerhouse]

Just found a neat Halogen kit that allows use of old reflector and lenses, as in my 39. I was using new old style 6v halogen bulbs at $25 a piece. TOO pricey..and not readily available. Heck, not even any real improvement.

With the kit installed you can actually go to any auto store and buy a headlight right there...no waiting...no ridiculous price....no puzzled looks form the morons behind the counter. And all that ease for a whopping $40. It includes, 2 halogen bulbs, 2 sockets, 2 adapter pieces and instructions(I guess). Chevs of the 40's has it. I ordered it.

[TodFitch]

Just found a neat Halogen kit that allows use of old reflector and lenses, as in my 39. I was using new old style 6v halogen bulbs at $25 a piece. TOO pricey..and not readily available. Heck, not even any real improvement.

With the kit installed you can actually go to any auto store and buy a headlight right there...no waiting...no ridiculous price....no puzzled looks form the morons behind the counter. And all that ease for a whopping $40. It includes, 2 halogen bulbs, 2 sockets, 2 adapter pieces and instructions(I guess). Chevs of the 40's has it. I ordered it.

Link or other contact information for the vendor?

[Powerhouse]

I found it on chevs of the 40's via a hot rod magazine article.

here tis...

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/6105/Chevrolet_HALOGEN_V_HEADLIGHT_CONVERSION_CLEAR.html

and here's the article...

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/1006rc_halogen_headlight_conversion_kit/index.html

[dezeldoc]

Link or other contact information for the vendor?

Here ya go!

http://www.kansasselectproducts.com/servlet/the-Alternator-Conversion/Categories

PS, it is at the bottom of the article.

By the way all the parts can be found at your local parts house, and most likely cheaper than the web site.