Help with 12v conversion

[thrashfit]

I am thinking of going down the 12 volt conversion route with my 1954 C-1-B6 rebuild, I have a new wiring loom. Can you point me towards forum results of people who have done this please or give me any info...can I go negative earth ? What alternator, regulator etc.........Cheers Dave

[Plymouthy Adams]

you can use the search feature of this forum...here are results from typing in 12 volt conversion....     http://p15-d24.com/search/

[NiftyFifty]

If your not a "purest" I recommend going to a 100 amp 1 or 3 wire GM alternator , their cheap, plentiful and easy to convert over too, and eliminates the need for the external regulator. Past that, you should rewire the whole truck IMO, all the dash and exterior bulbs need changing, a resistor for the heater fan and usually one for the fuel gauge as well.  The starter will be fine, just don't crank for extended periods of time, but seeing as they usually spin faster, you eliminate long starts if you have a good starting engine,  

[thrashfit]

If I go 12 volt what earth do I use ? Positive or Negative ??

[ggdad1951]

Negative like modern vehicles...you'll have to switch around the gauges so they read right.

[thrashfit]

Many thanks, I will be sorting this out soon I hope, Cheers, Dave

[thrashfit]

One more question....... will original points and condenser be ok running on 12 volt.??   I will fit a 12 v coil.......

[lugnut123]

put a resister on your coil. ask your parts guy about if you need to change the coondensor on your points. the points them selves should be fine. i seen somwhere that they make a CDI setup for the old dodges.

[Jerry Roberts]

You need to put a resistor on the wire that goes to your coil as mentioned , from 12 volts to 6 volts . Use the normal 6 volt points and condenser  . 

[Don Coatney]

Some 12 volt coils have an internal resistor, some do not. The 12 volt coil should be marked accordingly.

[thrashfit]

Many thanks to all

[Dennis46PU]

I bought a Pertronix coil with the internal resistor for mine.  I don't know how your coil is mounted but they recommend using an epoxy filled coil if it is being used vertical or upside down.  I also used a Pertronix ignition instead of the points and condensor.  Have not had any problems so far, but you will need to use resistor plug wires and spark plugs.  

[NiftyFifty]

I just picked up a Langdon electronic ignition distributor, but no time to install yet....hoping for the best

[lugnut123]

make sure and attach the negative side of your coil going to the wire going to the distributor. That will be negative ground.