I seem to remember a thread about converting the exisitng 6 volt generator to a 12 volt unit to maintain the original look of the truck. I did a search on this site, but came up empty. I contacted a local gen/alt repair shop (Boston/Cambridge area) and they said they would be glad to convert my truck to 12 volts with an alternator (which I don't want to do), but wouldn't touch the generator. Does anyone remember the thread or have specifics on how to rewire the gen or whatever to make it 12 volts. If it is just rewiring, I can probably have it done at work if I knew the wire size and count. BTW, I have a 52 F4 with a flathead V8.

Oh, by the way again, does it hurt to jump start the engine with a 12 volt battery (not installed in a vehicle)?

Thanks,

Fran

 

Changing to 12V is one of the easiest swaps you can make. You take the field coils out of a 56 or later generator and swap them into your gennie....or just use that later generator. Patrick's sells them new, but a trip to the salvage yard will save you a bunch of bucks.
You will also need to buy a 12V coil and 12V Voltage Regulator.
The original 6V wiring is twice as heavy as it needs to be for 12V so you can leave it in place if its OK. You will need some Voltage reducers for gauges, heater, radio and any other 6V accessories. Replace all bulbs with 12V counterparts too.
If you switch to neg ground at the same time be sure to route the wire thru the ammeter in the opposite direction.
Check out this website for more info...
http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/articles.htm

 

Thanks for the feedback MTFlat. From you're description it looks like changing to 12V is one of the easiest swaps one can make. How long did Ford supply generators after 56 ?

Fran

 

Ford used generators thru the mid 60's if I remember right. I did this swap on my 48 pickup and it works great.