I did go read some of the threads... YIKES. I sounds like the conversion isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Maybe 6 volt isn't such a bad thing after all.

 

Hey, if you're an engineer it will be a piece of cake. I use a DC-DC converter to run my gauges and wiper motor. I did the conversion in an afternoon. I wanted my son to be able to get a jump if needed.

 

Please tell me more about that. And keep in mind that I'm not an engineer!!

 

Sounds like a subject for it's own thread!

Tilleyman, I am trying to install a conversion kit from Vintage Auto Garage, and it comes with the converters that you will need to maintain 6v for things like wiper motors and gauges, heater motors and radios - I do not know that I would recommend them just yet, but check out their web site and you will see a lot of the information you are seeking. I am sure that others will chime in soon with vendors they have used and trust for conversion kits.

I was installing the new coil and was HAND TIGHTENING the nut on the negative terminal when the threaded post snapped in half! WTF!? I will be contacting this vendor tomorrow to ask about this - at this point I am starting to think I might be better returning the entire thing for a refund.

 

I had that happen once! I was pulling off the boot connector and the terminal came with it, it was only a month or two old coil too, took it back and got a warranty. Never did figure out why that happened...

Sam

 

Update:
I have tried phoning the vendor Vintage Auto Garage but always seem to get the answering service, so instead I wrote an email describing the ill-fitting alternator bracket and busted coil, and asking if they stand behind their products. I was pleased to get a response very quickly saying that he would indeed stand behind his product, and apologizing, said he would ship another coil out quickly. As for the bracket, he said he would have to talk to the guys in the shop about what they could do.

I am frankly more concerned about the bracket than a standard 12v coil, but the response here gives me hope. As I was fearing when no one on the FTE board said they'd used this vendor, it seems like they might be new. I hate the idea of being a guinea pig, but I guess that is the situation. I will continue to report my experience here.

 

On the subject of the 12v conversion, I thought it better if it had it's own thread. If you are interested you can find it by searching my posts.

I had a slight set back at the end of January. I was helping a neighbor and in the process of saving him from serious injury (long story) I snapped the ligament in my right thumb that makes an opposable thumb opposable! Ouch. I had surgery and am just now starting to work the thumb to regain flexibility and function. This stopped all work on the truck dead in it's tracks. I am hoping to start things again in the next couple of weeks.

 

Ouch, I hope your recovery is a quick one!

I drove by a while back and noticed you pulled the crane off, do you plan to put it back on sometime in the future?

Sam

 

Hey Sam, yeah, that's what I get for being a nice guy - saved the neighbor from a certain busted leg (something about a motorcycle falling on him from several feet up) and he is now in LA with a fat film gig, and I am here with one paw!

The crane fits into a very heavy base that is bolted onto the bed's steel floor, so removing it was nothing more than lifting with my legs - the thing weighs a ton! I figure I will put it back in when needed, no sense having it out collecting rust and moss!

Thanks for the well wishes!

 

Great to see you back! Did you ever get the background on the truck? Researching that stuff has always been a fun part of the hobby for me. One of my daughters now lives in West Seattle and is expecting my first grandchild in Nov. Maybe I can stop by and check out or help you on the truck if I'm needing a break from the baby thing! " Gosh, I'd love to stay and help with that next diaper change, but I promised this guy down the road that I'd assist him with his rear springs and his hand is all messed up"..........