Can I get some ideas on staying with the 6 volt system please. A wiring supplier talks about the ease and benefits of switching. Then there are the added on costs of switching things and reducing volts for this and that. Can't a 6 volt system work for parades and trips to the farmers market?

 

As long as the system is wired per factory stock specs it will OK. The biggest problem with the 6 volt system is they are very sensitive to good grounds. Seems like 75% or more of the electrical problems is usually a loose or dirty ground.

I've been running a 6 volt system in my F-2 for almost twenty years without a problem and it was run on 6 volt before I rewired it for the first 40 years.

 

I have two 55 Fairlanes that are 6-volt. No problems after 19 years. It's done for the need of air condioning is my belief. Some prople also switch over because they can't get their 6-volt system to start their engine. (12 volt spins the starter faster.) I think that you can have a 6-volt system as long as you keep the engine tuned and can live without the A/C. Way to stay old school! Jag

 

I am in the process of switching from 6 to 12. I got my 52 in 2007, got a new 6 volt battery then and late last fall the battery went bad and would not hold a charge, so I needed to purchase a new battery. I decided instead of getting another 6 volt bat, I'd change it over. I also at the same time have purchased a new wiring harness. I am glad I did, the old harness was in bad shape, a lot of patches, splices, etc. It was a fire waiting to happen. I now have a 12 volt negative truck and will shortly have all new wiring that I should never have to worry about.
So far I've been impressed with how quick the old girl starts even after it sits a while.

My .02 cents.

 

Yes. No problem as long as everything is working properly.

As far as giving you "reasons" to keep it 6 volt, there is no concrete functional advantage to keeping it 6 volt. But I can tell you this. Today, I backed mine out of the shop for the first time this spring and drove it on a 40 mile round trip with lots of starts and stops. Had no problems. When it fails to do that, or I can't find a 6 volt battery when I need it, I'll do the conversion. Until then, I guess it falls back to "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy for me.

 

The only time I have a hard time with the 6 volt system is when it drops below 40-50°. The truck will not start without a 12 volt boost. 'The engine will spin over fine but will wear down before it starts. After the first time it will start all day long until the next day. I'm not too concerned because I rarely drive it when it gets that cold.

 

My pickup works fine on 6 volt.....I added an electric fuel pump, so it starts on the first bump of the starter. The only downside I have seen is the headlights are not quite as bright....

 

Ditto for me! I have had my truck since 1977 and have kept it 6 volt positive ground. Have had no problems. I rebuilt the generator and starter in 1999. When I replaced my cables I made sure they were 1 gauge and that I had good grounds.

Unless you want to add a lot of electrical stuff 6 volt will serve you fine.

 

All mine are 6 volt and I have no plans to change them.

 

Just to pile on, I should have mentioned that both of mine are running Optima batteries. They are pricey, but you get premium performance and they last for twice as long as a regular battery. Jag