generator and alt?

[5.9diesel]

Ive been reading a bunch of old posts here, and there are a lot of threads about total and partial 12volt conversions. Im wondering: could( with some bracketry and a long belt) I put an alternator on next to the generator? use the genorator to run the trucks guages and ignition and starting systems, but install an isolated 12volt battery somewhere else. this way you could run accessories, extra lights and even be a good samaritan and jump start people. the latter is very important to me, since i seem to end up jumping a lot of prople with my current truck. (1991 dodge W350 Cummins)

One of the guys i graduated with is restoring a mid 50s packard, and wants to do the same thing.

[MBF]

Having done the 6-12V conversion on 2 of my vehicles I can say that room for both units is going to be an issue as well as completely isolating the 2 systems. If you're content with the 6 volt system you have with your vehicle, but want to be a good samaritan-how about carrying a booster pack?

I'm happy w the 12 V conversions I 've done and would definiately do it again. Mike

[Don Coatney]

Pictured is a dual voltage system that also has air conditioning. Lou Earle on the car side is the current owner.

[5.9diesel]

dont get me wrong, i have no problem with the 6v system( i like keeping things stock) i was just wondering. i would keep the system isolated by not grounding the 12v system to the body or chassis, i would run power and ground for each item added. it was just a thought. i figure a 60s mopar alternator would fit ok.

[Dennis_MN]

I added a reasonable cost inverter($55.00 plus shipping)

http://www.casmfg.com/Accessories.htm manufacturer

http://www.rgclassictunes.com/ supplier

I now have power for my CB, radio and for my GPS.

Unless you are needing real power for a box load of speakers or power door handles, $55 bucks is pretty hard to beat.

[bkahler]

dont get me wrong, i have no problem with the 6v system( i like keeping things stock) i was just wondering. i would keep the system isolated by not grounding the 12v system to the body or chassis, i would run power and ground for each item added. it was just a thought. i figure a 60s mopar alternator would fit ok.

First thing you would have to do is switch from 6 VDC positive ground to 6VDC negative ground.

An alternator is grounded through its case so if you take a standard 12 VDC and mount it along with the 6 VDC generator the grounds would be tied together which should be no problem. As long as you don't let the + output from the alternator come in contact with the + out from the generator you'll be fine.

However the inverter option as mentioned by Dennis_MN is probably your best bet.

Brad

[55 Fargo]

I added a reasonable cost inverter($55.00 plus shipping)

http://www.casmfg.com/Accessories.htm manufacturer

http://www.rgclassictunes.com/ supplier

I now have power for my CB, radio and for my GPS.

Unless you are needing real power for a box load of speakers or power door handles, $55 bucks is pretty hard to beat.

Hi, this is an excellent price, heck if I can run my 12 volt car stereo, maybe an a light or 2 and a gps, this great at $55.00. All the others I have seen are in the $200 range.............Fred

[MBF]

Wow-I wish they were available in the 70's when I was carrying a spare 12V batt to power my 8 track in my 53 Chevy-that would have been an easy solution. Mike

[5.9diesel]

50 bucks works for me! my friend though does want to run lots of lights and things, so he may go with the alternator option. he has already converted his to negative ground.

[MBF]

5.9 if you're going to be adding several lights I'd suggest bypassing your ammeter and installing a voltmeter. Chrysler ran everything through the ampmeter circuit which can be a weak link under excessive load. This setup was ok for headlight and brakelights, but if you start adding a heater motor, fan, lights, and electric wipers you may find yourself in the dark some night.

I did this on both of the vehicles I converted to 12 volt-it was especially needed on my '52 1 ton rack body-I added a heater, and several body lights. Mike

[5.9diesel]

mbfowler, this truck already has electric wipers and a heater, but thats still good to know. the wireing for the heater controlls is scary:eek: so that will have to be redone. would it be better to pull power for it straight from the battery and run an inline fuse?

what needs to be done to convert 6v positive ground to negative ground?

[MBF]

You could do it that way, or install a small fuse block and run a heavy lead up to it and power all your accessories on separate circuits from the fuseblock. I used the individual inline fuses for my heater and another for the directionals. The headlight switch (if if original) has a built in circuit breaker so no need to do anything with that circuit unless you're adding a "lot" of lights or a mega sound system. If you're going to keep it 6v to change from + to - ground you're going to have to repolarize (can't remember which) the generator or voltage regulator, switch your batt cables, and if you keep the ammeter switch the lead on that or it will read in reverse. If you leave it 6 you're also going to have to switch the coil leads (I think). I did a straight 6-12V conversion using an internally regulated Delco alternator. I switched the bulbs, put a ballast resistor in the circuit for the fan motor, swapped to a 12V coil. My gas guage doesn't work-but down the road when that is fixed that will need a resistor installed in the circuit before its hooked back up. Mike