1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

6 - 12 volt conversions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-11-2001, 05:37 PM
darkknight's Avatar
darkknight
darkknight is offline
Senior User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

When changing a 6 volt ignition system over to a 12 volt, does the distributor need to be changed to a 12 volt system? I know the generator will have to be changed but the starter doesn't. Also, since the 6 volt is a positive ground, that means the gauges are also. How will I change this to match the 12 volt negative ground and the gauges still work?

Thanks,

Mike
 
  #2  
Old 04-11-2001, 11:15 PM
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Franklin2 is offline
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Virginia
Posts: 53,722
Likes: 0
Received 1,723 Likes on 1,394 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

Don't know about the polarity of the guages. There was a tech article on this site about regulators you can make to change the 12v to 6v for the guages. I do know that you can use the 6v distributor by buying a 12v coil with the resistor in line and hooking the negative of the coil to the distributor.
 
  #3  
Old 04-11-2001, 11:48 PM
chenders's Avatar
chenders
chenders is offline
Senior User
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Relocated to San Diego CA
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

You don' have to change the generator, just the regulator and remember to polorize them first. As for the gauges, you will need to buy a 12 - 6 voltage reducer (non- ceramic type). Head lights, panel lights, etc.

In the land of the blind, the man with one eye is king.
 
  #4  
Old 04-12-2001, 09:06 AM
mtflat's Avatar
mtflat
mtflat is offline
Lead Driver

Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Kalispell, MT
Posts: 6,504
Received 344 Likes on 260 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

When changing to neg ground remember to reverse the wire that runs through the loop on the back of the ammeter gauge - it is polarity specific. If you don't you'll show discharge when you're charging.
 
  #5  
Old 04-12-2001, 09:58 AM
darkknight's Avatar
darkknight
darkknight is offline
Senior User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

Thanks for the input fellas.

Mike
 
  #6  
Old 04-13-2001, 01:12 AM
calvinkln's Avatar
calvinkln
calvinkln is offline
New User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
6 - 12 volt conversions

 




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:20 AM.