I have been debating switching my 6 volt truck over to a 12 volt system. The only real reasons I have for wanting to do this is so the lights are a little brighter and I could mount an aftermarket battery in the glove box.

This conversation came up with an old school mechanic that my Dad really trust. He told my dad to just put an 8 volt battery in the truck and leave everything else the same. It would obviously be a lot cheaper. Anyone ever do this? Thoughts?

 

You could do that but I tell you honestly if your grounds and wires are in good shape you will be surprised at how bright 6 volt lights are. I was thinking my truck would be a daytime driver but after getting everything hooked up I don't see any issue with driving this truck at night. I put my lights side by side with one of my other cars and I couldn't really see a difference. The 8 volt will give a few more cranking amps.

 

Well, Your starter would be fine and the 8 volts will brighten up the lights, but I would think they would burn out sooner. I would question what would happen with the coil and gauges. Would that be enough voltage to cause problems with those?

 

I ran an 8 volt in my 55's 6 system for several years.
U need to set up the voltage regulator to charge at 8v. Do this by bending the contact arm and checking with a meter.
I went back to a 6 Tractor Supply battery as I couldn't get the regulator to put out 8.

 

I posed a similar question on another forum for my '54 IH R100. I was told to go with the halogen H4 headlights for a brighter light, while keeping the truck 6v. This is the direction I plan to take. I should mention that many hotrod vendors sell a sealed beam version of an H4, so it's a direct mount in, in replacing the original sealed beam. Here's one example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/H4-Headlight...sories&vxp=mtr

C&G Early Ford parts recommends a 35 amp generator for the Halogen conversion kits they sell, which BTW, is what the stock flathead gennie puts out.

 

This subject has been discussed many times on some tractor forums. The general consensus is that it is a patch at best. The six volt charging system just does not want to keep the eight volt battery charged no matter how it is adjusted. A satisfactory result can be had by making certain your six volt system is to specifications with correct size wiring and clean tight connections. The six volt battery must be good.

Remember, a generator is not putting out at engine idle speed so the lights will appear dim.

 

An Optima battery would also help somewhat.

 

I have ran 8 volt batteries in my F-600 for probably 15 years or so. as others have stated it is hard to get the charging system to keep the 8 volt charged up.
I have taken my generator to an electrical shop to have it rebuilt and also bought a new regulator that they set up to put out 9.5 volts. most of the time it works ok but I am planning on a 12 volt conversion during the restoration....

 

It was a common bandaid solution to hard starting 6V vehicles in the 50's. Those that said you 6V light bulbs won't last as long are correct.
My stepfather at the time was all proud that he had one of his cronies set up a 52 Mercury he had with an 8 volt battery. I was about 9 at the time so I don't remember much about it except that he thought it was worth bragging rights.
It works but isn't the best solution these days.

 

Note that the cost is virtually the same as converting to 12v.

 

And 12 volts really does work Or should I say 12 volts works really well, if you have a valid reason to convert.