6 volt to 12 volt

[azmichael1]

Can anyone here give me step-by-step instructions on how to convert my '48 P-15 from 6 volt to 12 volt and exactly what parts will be needed.

Thanks

Mike

'48 P-15

Apache Junction, Arizona

[bamfordsgarage]

Good morning Mike

The conversion from 6vt to 12 is discussed in some detail under Technical Tips elsewhere on this site.

Having said that, a logical first step might be to establish exactly why you are contemplating this move and what you hope to achieve by doing so. There may be cheaper/easier ways to meet your goals without a 12 vt conversion.

[michael.warshaw]

Y the conversion?

[P-12 Tommy]

Try this. http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=24027&highlight=volt+conversion Hope this helps. BTW... mine is still 6 volt and it works great. As long as your wiring is up to snuff there should be no problem. Maybe you want to put in a 12 volt stereo, just buy an inverter.

Tom

Edited May 7, 2011 by P-12 Tommy
Add to it.

[azmichael1]

Hey, Guys

Thanks for all your responses................I guess the main reason I'm considering the conversion is in hopes of having quicker starting, brighter lights and the ability to add 12 volt radio,etc.

I'm currently giving the entire engine area a facelift and have the generator,battery and radiator out and have plenty of space to work and thought this would be a good time to convert to the alternator (which is NIB but I 've had for years) and all the other things needed for the job.......except the knowledge of exactly what goes where and what all I actually need to do the project.

Thanks again....................

Mike

[Robert Horne]

On my 48 Dodge, I went with a new 6 volt battery with pleny of amps. Starter works great, and my lights are very bright. On my 38, I went with a 12 volt generator from a the year 56, looks just like a 6 volt, but the tag is green instead of red. Used a 56, 12 volt starter also....

[steveplym]

I did the 12v conversion a few years ago. Went with the one wire delco alternator and I've been very happy with the conversion. I now have a 12 volt wiper motor from new port engineering, modern stereo, and langdon's mini hei. Couldn't be happier with all these accessories.

I rewired the car before the conversion and wired it with the larger 6 volt wiring so I did not see the need to switch any of that over as it was all new. I did add a fuse block though for all the additional accessories for added protection.

As for the alternator I bought a universal bracket to mount it to my flathead and just modified the upper bracket to make it work. Went with a 4 pole 12 volt solenoid as well.

A thread I started with pics and info.

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=14369&highlight=conversion

another http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=11977&highlight=conversion

If you need any assistance I would be glad to offer advice. PM me for any additional info.

Edited May 8, 2011 by steveplym

[greg g]

Brighter lights, clean the grounds and terminals. and mount a groud strap from the firewall to the engine or frame

Quicker starting, do a tune up and adjust your carb properly also follow the proper starting procedure for cold starts and hot starts

For a 12v radio, plug it into a jumper pack.

Or convert to 12V if you must.

[Captain Neon]

The only legitimate reason I can think of the convert from 6v to 12v is that one wants to install AC. I have not found a 6v unit on the market. Radios are low amperage and an inverter can easily handle the draw. Otherwise, it's just a matter of dirty connections, and doing a little legwork to find 6v equipment.

FWIW, for most people, an 802 and a 6v FM converter is all the more high fidelity they could really want. Some radio restorers even offer the option of an auxiliary in-line port on 6v tube radios like the 802.

[55 Fargo]

The only legitimate reason I can think of the convert from 6v to 12v is that one wants to install AC. I have not found a 6v unit on the market. Radios are low amperage and an inverter can easily handle the draw. Otherwise, it's just a matter of dirty connections, and doing a little legwork to find 6v equipment.

FWIW, for most people, an 802 and a 6v FM converter is all the more high fidelity they could really want. Some radio restorers even offer the option of an auxiliary in-line port on 6v tube radios like the 802.

Captain, I agree with with your posts on this subject, for the most part.

I have not had a lot of problems with my 6 volt system, and if necessary one could install a 6 volt pos grnd alternator, if they wanted.

But a 12 volt starter and 12 volt battery will most likely out perform a slower cranking 6 volt starter, especially with either real cold starts or hot starts on ot days. This would be my motivating factor on the swap.

I do find my 6 volt head light and bulbs to be very bright, but then my wiring is new, and the grounds and connections are clean.

I wished my 6 volt starter would kick over like a 12 volt set-up at times......Fred

[Adam H P15 D30]

I can certainly say my 6v lights were very bright also. The deciding factor for me was when the rear bushing gave out in my generator. Either fix it and still have a generator or convert to 12v and I can add modern conviences as I go. I also added fuses just to be safe. It was more involved than I thought because of the fuses, not the conversion. Still not sure about the fuel guage and clock on 12v, some say they will run on 12v??????? Haven't hooked them up yet.

[steveplym]

I would definitely get a voltage reducer, like a runtz, for your fuel gauge and probably going to need one for your clock. If you clock works I would definitely try to avoid feeding it 12 volts. Those things are very valuable especially when they work.

[Adam H P15 D30]

I would definitely get a voltage reducer, like a runtz, for your fuel gauge and probably going to need one for your clock. If you clock works I would definitely try to avoid feeding it 12 volts. Those things are very valuable especially when they work.

Yes it works perfectly. I already got the voltage reducers last night. Too much risk. When my father used to convert the TUGs from 6 to 12v the fuel guage never knew the difference but I am not risking it. Ironically they had the 201's in them. United would overhaul them after 2500 - 3000 hours. That's A LOT of miles and they were always revved to the moon. Usually just a re ring and bearing.

[1941Rick]

Just run the 6 volt starter on 12 volts....spins like crazy and no harm done