| Changing from 6 Volt to 12 Volt SystemArticle from Ron Francis Wiring |
| BULBS All bulbs must be changed to 12 volt. RON FRANCIS WIRING has bulbs available in higher candlepower for brighter and safer illumination. We carry most applications for exterior lights. This includes SUPER BRITE HEADLIGHT BULBS for vehicles older than 1940. 6 VOLT GAUGES If you are keeping original gauges, you need a VR-1 electronic voltage reducer listed on this page. Mechanical gauges only need 12 volt bulbs. You must use the original sender with the old gauge(s). REVERSED POLARITY Reversed polarity is not a problem. We have never seen a 6 volt gauge that you could not simply hook up to our reducer and be fine. 6 VOLT HEATER AND WIPERS Heaters need our VR-4 unit is capable of handling 15 a amp load. Sorry, we have never been able to find any records of what your unit draws. Our supplier does not accept returns on these voltage reducers. Wiper motors hardly seem worth a voltage reducer. Replacement 12 volt units are easily available. 6 VOLT RADIOS AND CLOCKS Radios can be fun. Positive ground radios are impossible to use. Clocks usually respond well to the voltage reducers, except accuracy is marginal. CONVERTING THE ORIGINAL ENGINE The six volt starter can stay. Install the new 12 volt battery and solenoid. This might shorten the starter’s life some but not enough to notice. Update your distributor by using a 12 volt coil and condenser from a mid-60’s GM engine. The points themselves just need new ones for maximum life. ORIGINAL ENGINE NOW, BUT PLANNING A SWAP IN THE FUTURE? Convert the original motor to an alternator now. Use the model you want on the new engine. We can help with this. Just leave slack in the wires to the engine components for adjustment after the new engine is in place. RON FRANCIS WIRING does not recommend the use of a generator even after swapping for a 12 volt model. Brackets are available to allow a GM integral alternator to mount and adjust on a flathead. |
| Need More Information ???Ron Francis Wiring www.RonFrancis.com 800-292-1940 |
Changing from 6 Volt to 12 Volt System: Article from Ron Francis Wiring
