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

51/52 6v to 12v conversion fix/wire replace

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2016 | 05:21 PM
  #46  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I wish I'd gone back and made my looms neater, I still may do that. It's hard to clean up the turn signal switch because those wires go all over.
 
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2016 | 05:14 PM
  #47  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
update

Hey Folks,


Made some good progress today, got the turn signal made up with a 6 pin connector, it works, got the tail lights harness fixed too.


Bought 2 trailer harness 2 wire plugs and used them for an unplug-gable harness for the tail lights.


Actually got the truck to start and ran her a bit, she's been sitting since late December/January when I started this project.


One issue I discovered, the emergency flashers, the kwik-wire turn signal I got mentioned to leave the supplied emergency flasher power wire out of the hookup.
So right now, only have emerg flashers when key is on.
The turn signal has a glowing red light on it too (when key is on) I asked kwik wire and they confirmed that's correct.


If I want to get "key off" emerg flashers, I'd have to rig up a 2nd switch for the emerg flash power wire, that would only be turned on if the key start switch was off.
I tested this and it does work, not sure I want to do this yet... Simple add on for later I suppose.


I still need to tidy up the slack in the engine bay, that's next on the list, and I think I'll make it so I can add the Halogen headlight harness later
unless I get itchy and do it.


The next main attack is going to be the dash, gauges, heater, radio, wwipers.


I have no idea if my heater motor or wiper motor works, never seen them work when Dad bought the truck either.


The only issue I seem to be having (as this is my first time really doing a harness in this depth) is gauging how much slack to leave myself for future repairs/problems/changes.
Some of my runs may be a tad bit long but I'm learning how to ballpark it.
Now that I'm not as reluctant to cut anything...

Till next time!
T


PS: Albuq; I hear ya about going back and doing a cleanup, I have found that once I usually do a job that's a bit of a pain in the azz, I never seem to want to go back! LOL
I'm getting very itchy to drive this Truck now that the weathers getting nice but I'm trying to keep my patience...... aint easy!
T
 
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2016 | 07:13 PM
  #48  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
Key-off emergency flashers are the only way to go. With SignalStat units, the turn signals work key-off too, that is their solution.
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2016 | 01:50 PM
  #49  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
flashers and guages

I'm going to remedy the emerg flasher issue, I'm going to install a manual switch to handle that.


Actually it's causing me a bit of a headache on yet another decision,
Keep my original gauges
or
Buy something like these:
Early Ford 37-39 51-52 F1


The "rub" here is two things,
1:the price obviously these gauges are expensive, but very nice!
2:if I (stick with the orig gauges) is pulling the Alt wire back in the cab to run thru the old gauges loop for inductance powered volt/amp gauge.
and, having other external gauges on the dash: I have 2 capillary tube water temp gauges and 1 capillary tube oil pressure gauge already.


And with that, if I add the manual switch for using emerg flashers in (key off condition) I think I can run a ext volt gauge with this same wire.
Thus skipping the pullback of the alternator wire.


The switch I have is a (on/off/on) type.
So one side could be Volt gauge / the other could be Emerg flashers.


It's simple enough to do, and remove if I ever change anything.


I plan to work on it tomorrow, we'll see how this goes.


T
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2016 | 10:49 PM
  #50  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I can't think of a reason to have a voltmeter in a switched circuit. It can be off the Acc post on the ignition switch. I use the stock ammeter loop on a 12v alternator, it works great. To make it read net charge/discharge requires wiring the alternator output and battery feed a specific way, tho.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2016 | 11:46 AM
  #51  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
update

Hey Albuq,


I took your advice there, was thinking I could use that switch to do 2 things but being It was intended for the emerg flasher fix, I left it at that.


So now, in a "key off situation" for emerg flashers I just flip another switch that puts power to the turn signal switch.


And Wired the volt guage (aftermarket one) to the ACC post.


if you had details on how to wire the 1 wire alt to the orig volt guage i'd love to see them.
The only way I could figure was to pull the wire back in the dash, run it thru the guage and back to the alternator, but that's too much work
and if I ever had to pull the guage again I'd have to redo all that or cut the wire, was trying to avoid cut's in new wires if possible.


Other news, I got my searchlight working and ran more loom for the engine bay wire run, shortened all those connections (coil, alt, tach, 50amp maxi-fuse mount).


Note to others:
So far the 1/2 inch split braid wire loom has been my main "go to".
I did use all the 10ft of the 1/4 inch I got, I may need more of that, prob could have ordered 20ft of the 1/4.
The last long run for that much wire loom is going to be the fuse-panel to the gas tank & cabin light ballpark about 12ft guess.


have not yet used the 3/4 inch braid but maybe after I'm done I'll use some of it under the dash.


until next weekend!
T
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2016 | 01:19 PM
  #52  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
Do you have an ammeter loop (I forget what year your truck is)? If so, run the wire from the Battery to the circuit breakers thru the loop. Run the wire from the alternator to the circuit breakers directly to the same side of the CB's (there is a strap between them). Then the ammeter will show as Charging when the alternator is pushing current back to the battery, discharge when the battery is providing power. I can't tell you which way to run the wire thru the loop, just try it one way and if it's wrong, switch it.
 
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2016 | 12:40 PM
  #53  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
Do you have an ammeter loop (I forget what year your truck is)? If so, run the wire from the Battery to the circuit breakers thru the loop. Run the wire from the alternator to the circuit breakers directly to the same side of the CB's (there is a strap between them). Then the ammeter will show as Charging when the alternator is pushing current back to the battery, discharge when the battery is providing power. I can't tell you which way to run the wire thru the loop, just try it one way and if it's wrong, switch it.

Hey Albuq, I've got a 51 but it seems it's a 51/52 mutt (has a bit of both years).


And, with this Kwikwire harness, I wont be using ANY of the old wiring or circuit breakers, so not sure how id' do this right now.....


But, if I understand what you're explaining here, I do have some 12v circuit breakers I could use....hmmm


But, It may not matter, the wife says she'd buy me some new gauges if I want, (upcoming birthday) just need to decide on which set i'd prefer.
I wasn't using the original oil, water-temp gauges before (have under-dash gauges for that: 2 water, 1 oil press capillary tube type gauges).


Also, I had a spare volt gauge, so I've added that as well for now.


But thanks for the info, i'm still curious if I could get that gauge to work but those "new vintage" gauges do look very nice...


T
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old May 3, 2016 | 12:12 PM
  #54  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
updates

Hey Folks,


just a status update, had a few Saturdays I got side tracked.


Got the halogen headlight harness wired in,
got the cab light /gas guage / 3rd brake light wires run over the passenger
door, wired up the cab light.


tested the reverse light feed. Figured i'd use this since it was there.
looking at some small white led bolt type lites for that....


anyways, next up is to get my old guage pods working and work on mounting an electric fan and get the fan relay kit wired in.


THAT stuf should finish off the project. (I hope)
T
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 07:29 PM
  #55  
Larryjr03's Avatar
Larryjr03
Tuned
10 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 319
Likes: 18
12 Volt Conversion

Originally Posted by doublecanister
Hey Folks,

well, it's finally happened, after doing some test driving It's finally decided to smoke the wires on me.

This truck's been "converted" from 6 to 12v by a previous hack job.

Everything pretty much was working till now. In doing some testing, I
Noticed I had 12v to ground, I traced a few wires back to the voltage regulator and the left terminal is melted off, it smells burnt and seems to be the source of my short prob where the smoke screen came from.

I will try a replacement voltage regulator before I start ripping wires.

Anyways, did some searching around found a link to a site with some wire diagrams that may help me "fix" my current wires (I hope).
http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re..._Material.html

What I'd like to know your suggestions on is these items:

1: any other good books/sources of wiring diagrams for a 51/52 ford v8?

2: if replacing the wiring, should I go Stock wire (like from LMC or Mac's)
or go with a other brand like (ex: Painless wiring)?

3: Should I add a fuse block to this vehicle?

4: wire it myself? I've read others have done this, as this truck is VERY similar to my 66 Mustang, which I suppose I could use as a reference for testing. Seems easy enough to trace wires and remove and replace with new as long as I know they are going back in the right places.

5: any good resources on how to convert from 6 to 12volt? Maybe I can redo this thing and fix it correctly.

With the fact this trucks' been altered to 12 v with an Alternator, the stock wiring would steer it back to a generator configuration, I'd have to fix that again and it would not include a fuse block.

The (painless) idea would give me new everything, with a new fuse block for safety, but I've never used their products or any others, only wiring I've ever replaced on the 66 Stang was reproduction "stock" wiring.

Ive decided to stay with 12 volts on this truck, 6volts, although I know it works fine I would rather go 12volt and do it right. (undo the hack job).

Would anyone have some suggestions/comments on what they did on their trucks 6 to 12 convert/wireing replacement??

This will be a bit of a project, I'd really like to do it right and once, this ol' Trucks trying to get back on the road again from sitting for 20yrs, I'd hate to disapoint it by parking it again...

Thank you all for your time & suggestions.

T
Mid West Early Ford in Ohio I believe makes the adapter to bolt to Flathead V-8 and run a 1 wire G.M. Alternator. I thing Speedway does too, as well as the CORRECT pulley. Leave the starter alone and run 12 Volts thru it, change bulbs, Voltage Regulator wouldn't be needed. Probably want to change gauges too. Mid West makes a beautiful set (Speedo & Gauge cluster ) that fits in the '51 dash. Not sure about small details yet, like temp senders etc...haven't got that far yet.
 
Reply
Old May 24, 2016 | 11:47 AM
  #56  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
updates

hey Folks,


sorry it's been a while for any updates. My internet has been jacked up at home and I cant post any photos from work!


Anyways, I'm getting close to done. I did some checking online about a 12v to 6volt adaptor, I didn't really want to just use a big resistor either.
Found this link below and actually built the circuit and it works!
12 to 6 Volt Regulator


My heater fan worked and the wipers worked! WHOO-HOO!


Although the heater fan sounds like it needs some oil, I may have to pull it out and give it some attention.


I will try to post a photo of the contraption I built following the instructions on the above links site. I left out the diode he mentioned and my output is 7.43 volts.
The author of the instructions says it should handle 10amps, he used too small a heat sink in my opinion, but I went with the 'bit larger voltage output thinking it should run the wipers and heater fan together.
I have not tried to run both at the same time yet, I just actually finished the thing last night.
built a safty cover for it as one of the transistors (the canister one) it's case is 12v hot so wanted some sort of protection.

I got my gas gauge working (used a mustang gauge volt reducer for that)
right now it's the only gauge I'm using (of the original pod).


As far as the electric fan, that free one I got works but is out of balance.
Still need to run 1 wire and install the relay and a new fan.
I'm going to run it with a manual switch for now. No room in engine for a temp probe at the moment.


Also, Hooked up some reverse lights (on a manual switch) and even wired in a under hood light.


I've defiantly been making progress, actually i'm glad I didn't rush this as it's given me time to think how I want to do certain parts of the project. but i'm am getting tired of working on it EVERY SATURDAY!


I've never done a rewire job like this before so it's been a learning experience for sure.

Anyways, I'm taking photos, hopefully I can get some posted soon.


Yall be good!

T
 
Reply
Old May 24, 2016 | 12:27 PM
  #57  
Scotty's 52 F3's Avatar
Scotty's 52 F3
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 101
From: Marana, Arizona
Thanks for the update and info. I recently finished my stock harness rewire and have everything I need for a 12 volt conversion at a later date.

Wish I would have seen this regulator build before I bought one. I have a stock Ford gauge cluster regulator and got the large one mainly for my wipers. I have a 12 volt motor I can put in my heater box.

I agree with you about not rushing your wiring. You can surely do a nice job rather quickly but, may later wish you had done something differently.

Enjoy the process and YOUR well thought out design when it's done. It's better than going back and doing things over.

Scott
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2016 | 08:59 AM
  #58  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
Originally Posted by Scotty's 52 F3
Thanks for the update and info. I recently finished my stock harness rewire and have everything I need for a 12 volt conversion at a later date.

Wish I would have seen this regulator build before I bought one. I have a stock Ford gauge cluster regulator and got the large one mainly for my wipers. I have a 12 volt motor I can put in my heater box.

I agree with you about not rushing your wiring. You can surely do a nice job rather quickly but, may later wish you had done something differently.

Enjoy the process and YOUR well thought out design when it's done. It's better than going back and doing things over.

Scott

Hey Scott,
will do!
I must say too that now i'm on new wires the truck feels different.
I think that the buggard wire harness always made me not trust it but so much, now with that old stuff gone, it feels different, better different.


Almost like I have a new old truck I guess.


Seems to start much better too and the Headlights work now!
All they did before was blink cause it was tripping the old 6v circuit protector. Never could drive it at night.

I swear after removing the old wires, it appeared that most of the wires had been replaced at some time, there were only a few of the old cloth/rubber type wires left that when touched went "dust in the wind" in 2.5 seconds!
The rest had a splice about every 2 feet it appeared. Some were nut and bolt connected (and taped), I was amazed it worked in the first place, no wonder my dad had such a time with it in the beginning.


I'll keep pluggin along, once I get my photos in order I'll do a post or two with some progressions. Honestly looking a pictures of wires didn't seem to be very interesting.

T
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2016 | 11:31 AM
  #59  
Scotty's 52 F3's Avatar
Scotty's 52 F3
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 101
From: Marana, Arizona
Pictures may give someone else a better idea of how to do something or help those that aren't so great at wiring.

A pic saying "here's my new wiring" probably is boring. Showing a better way of doing it, solving a problem or a how to is what we all look for on this forum.
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2016 | 06:33 PM
  #60  
doublecanister's Avatar
doublecanister
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Bumpass Va
12v to 6v circuit adaptor update

Hey guys,


FYI I managed to get in a amp test tonight.


Looks like the contraption I built works best for 1 device only as in
either the Heater fan OR the wipers.


Not both at same time.


Actually on the heater fan I got a max of : 9.51A for a brief second, it settled to about 7.80 amps on hi.
On low it bounced around 5.80 to 5.10 Amps down to about 3.80 on low.


Wipers on by themselves , low speed was in a range of about
8.29 amps to 6.26 amps.
Hi speed: 11.76 amps to 9.51amps.


The circuit in my above couple of posts from the Studebaker site the author did mention it was only supposed to be rated at about 10amps max.


Well, so much for this being "the fix". But I had no idea how much amps these devices pulled until tonight as I'd never seen them work before I guessed 10amps would be enough, I guess incorrectly.


I do have enough parts to build a 2nd one, may do that for now.
But I also am looking at a replacement ww motor contraption, Mac's has a few for sale.


And it figures, today I was on Mac's Auto parts (the place that sells Ford truck stuff) looking at wiper blades and dernd if they don't sell a device that does what this one I built does!
but it's rated for 25 amps!


Nothing ventured, nothing gained I suppose.


Ford - Voltage Reducer With Wiring, Magnum, 12 To 6 Volt, 25 Amp - Macs Auto Parts


T
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:23 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE