Hi! I start the rebuild of my F47 (F1) 1948. I would like to make it as an ''original''. Is it a bad idea torebuild it on the 6Volt system? Some people told me it will be hard to drive in the dark. What is your opinion?
Thanks!!!

 

fine if you're a rabbit with night vision goggles.

 

i have no problem driving at night on 6 volt and I have bad eyes. If your electronics are in good shape and connections maintained you should have no problem. Use 50 year old wires and allow rusty connections then yes you will have issues at night time ( or anytime).

JB

 

Headlights should be fine if you do a competent job. Millions of people for decades drove at night on 6 volts, they must not have been too bad, if you think about it.

Some people have trouble with 6 volt systems, and they were replaced with 12 volts for some good reasons. Higher compression ratios, more accessories mainly. Good heavy wiring and solid grounding are a big part of it, they don't turn over as fast as 12 volts and starting in cold weather was a problem if engine tune wasn't kept up. Some people would install 8 volt batteries for a little help. But strictly speaking, that's a bandaid.

I wouldn't take the time to convert a 12 volt modded truck back to the original 6 volts but, if it was stock would want to make it work properly, because I know it can do the job.

 

Agreed!

They also sell 6 volt halogen headlights. I got mine at NAPA.

 

right on, 6 volt is all part of the fun to me, keep the past alive!

JB

 

Agree with sticking to 6 volts as well.
As mentioned wiring must be in good shape...
I have 6 volt halogen lights as well- good upgrade.
The original generator has a hard time keeping the lights bright enough at idle- but you can always stay 6 volt and use a 6 volt positive ground alternator-which will provide way more power at idle.

 

I decided to go to a 12 volt system for a few reasons. My wiring was completely shot, and a few bulbs were toast. It didn't make sense to buy a whole new wiring system and not do it. Secondly, I want this to be a driver. If I ever need a jump (I do frequently forget and leave lights on) I just wanted something safe that anyone could just give me a jump. Doesn't it technically always come down to $$$$ lol

 

You can put LED's (6 volt) in the back and you are good to go.

As with anything on these 65 year old jewels maintain all your connections and keep your generator in top notch condition and oiled.

JB

 

Here's my perspective,
I restored the '51 and replaced all the wiring but kept the 6-Volt Positive ground system in place. I used Halogen 6V headlight bulbs and standard bulbs elsewhere. The lights are plenty bright at night but I did install larger tail light housings for better visibility in the rear.
Now I'm restoring a '49 and will not use 6 Volt.
Here's why...
I have already done the fully original thing and it is interesting to people to see and learn about 6 Volt systems. A conversation starter for sure at cruise nights and car shows.
But I do feel that the cranking speed and general fussiness of 6 volts is enough of a disadvantage that I prefer to avoid it for this next project.
The advantages of 12V are.....you can use a 12-volt portable booster if your battery is low. You can have modern accessories in the truck and still keep it stock looking for the most part. You can run trailer lights that have 12V bulbs. This last one is important to me. I have three trailers plus borrow others and can only use them in daytime for short trips. I should have lights at all times so I tend not to use the '51 truck to pull stuff, even though it is fully capable as a 3/4 ton truck.
So the '49 F3 will be able to pull whatever trailer I want without lighting concerns.
that's my 2 cents of opinion.
Tom

 

A 12 volt boost just makes the starter spin quicker doesn't it? It shouldn't hurt the starter any. Have to beware the polarity, but that's not news.

 

I have used 12 volt cars to jump my 6 volt 54 for the last 40 years. Just don't leave the cables on too long.

I have a 12 volt/ 6 volt battery charger and I now have a 6 volt battery tender that I will use in the winter time.

 

The critters had eaten all of my wiring, the only good bulbs were the instrument lights, the battery had frozen and cracked wide open, the starter drive was broken and the cable terminal was corroded off, and I had doubts about the generator operation. To me it seemed like a no-brainer to switch to 12 volts since I was going to add a substantial amount of electrical components, like an air compressor, 12 volt 1/3 HP water pump, and various linear actuators. Still, it was very easy and straightforward to make the switch to 12 volts.

 

I pull trailers with my 6 volt truck. I wired it negative ground. I put 6 volt bulbs in the trailer tail lights, leave the clearance lights 12 volts. The electric brakes work on 6 volts, after all they're just electromagnets. Dennis

 

I've had to use a 12V booster on my six volt system, and the circuit breakers go nuts clicking. I'm afraid that one time I may zap them, or the gauges they are trying to protect.