First - I know I know... there are many threads on 12 volt conversions and I looked through many of them. Many of these post are not that great or are full of stray comments. If you know of a great thread on conversions, please post it.

Second - I'm not 100% set on the conversion as of today, and I know I'll get the guys saying "keep it six volt" but that's for a different thread. I've spent a lot of time on trying to get my six volt up and running and my truck still rarely starts when it's hot and i'm over it for now. My truck is pretty tired and I think some extra cranking volts would go a long way until I have more time to rebuild the whole truck.

I converted a 1953 Pontiac to 12 volts a few years ago and I remember it was actually incredible simple and i'm trying to keep this conversion simple.

lets skip the gauges heater and things that need to be reduced for six volt for and concentrate on the hart of the system.

Here is my high level thinking just to allow me to decide to do this or not.

• Remove the generator, install a alternator
• Wire the alternator (probably going to go with a GM 3 wire), one wire on the alternator needs switched 12 volts to excite it, I can tap into a switched ignition wire (I think I also added a diode here last time?). The main charging wire on the alternator should run to the the starter solenoid on the battery terminal? Does anyone have a good part number for a 12 volt starter solenoid?
• The last time I did this I got lucky and the pulley from the generator bolted to the alternator, any thoughts on this or Ideas on a belt to use?
• I think I used a Chrysler ballast resistor to step down the voltage to the coil in the past.

I know there is more to be done with gauges and heaters and the wiper motor but I believe the above steps should be enough to get me pretty close to up and running.

What did I forget or not consider? Again, these are just my high level thoughts.

Thanks for all help and input.

-Chris

 

→ You can install a 12 volt generator and voltage regulator in the same footprints and use all the existing wiring, unless you're dead set on an alternator.
→ The starter and starter relay can remain 6 volts.
→ You can use any ignition resistor.
→ Assume you're familiar with reversing the ammeter loop if you switch to negative ground so it doesn't read backwards.

 

 

Yes, I'm running 12 volts with a one-wire 12Si alternator. My basic truck wiring is all factory stock with the exception of the 4 gauge alternator wiring, and a boat load of auxiliary circuits.