changing a 6 volt to a 12 volt altenator

[Guest 53 old red]

what brand is recommended for this?

[Dave72dt]

Common replacement unit today seems to be the GM 1-wire for it's simplicity. However, the older (70's) Chrysler units are a 2-wire and are just as easy to hook up with a main bat. wire and a small exciter wire, external regulator.

[Plymouthy Adams]

the advantage also of the Chrysler unit and why I like it is the fact that in 2 seconds you know if the alt is bad or the regualtor..and to be honest Ihave only replaced two regulators in my lifetime and both were working..they just start pulsating a bit and is your clue to replace and for alternator..only thing I have ever done there is replace the brushes...and they can easily be done while still on the car...battery connected yet and the belt still tight..there is no simpler system in my book..

[Guest 53 old red]

Thank you for all the help Just starting to work on a running 53 .and looking for an easy starting truck and brighter lights.

[pflaming]

Which 6 volt alternator is recommended?

[Dave72dt]

I don't think there's any advantage to a 6v alt. over the original generator. The generator will put out all the amps you need for a stock electrical system and to be honest, there aren't that many aftermarket 6v accessories out there. If you want, there are places that will install an alt. inside your gen. case to maintain the factory appearance. Be aware that service doesn't come cheaply. Otherwise, the usual suspect again is the GM 1 wire with a 6v reg in it.

[TodFitch]

Thank you for all the help Just starting to work on a running 53 .and looking for an easy starting truck and brighter lights.

For that you don't need to convert to 12v, simply fix the original back to factory condition.

[55 Fargo]

I am, using a GM single wire alt, was relatively cheap to buy and readily available at my local auto-electric. I have heard they are not always so easy to buy at the local supply houses, not sure why, but the GM 3 wire with idiot light is easier to come by.

Here is mine on my 251 engine, in my 55 Fargo.

I also havea 56 Mopar 12 volt starter, this truck starts, 100 times easier than my 47 Chrysler with 6volt system, do see the difference. My 47 Chrysler has a very clean electrical set-up, with very big 2/0 bat cables, and all in decent shape.

Here are the pics, made my own bracket, copied from Don Coatneys alt bracket...very easy to make.