6 volt to 12 volt conversion
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 150
From: High Ridge, MO
6 volt to 12 volt conversion
New to the forum, but same old question! Looking to convert 51 F1 to 12 volts. Hoping someone can point me to the most current, complete, "conversion for dummies" thread! Much thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
How extensive do you want to do it? It can be done quite inexpensively and easily with no wiring modifications needed. All you will need to change is the battery and all the light bulbs, and upgrade the generator and voltage regulator to 12 volts from a salvage yard or buy reman from a parts house (core charge may be applied). If you also wish to switch to a negative ground system you will have to reverse the wire that goes through the ammeter loop in order for the meter to read correctly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,675
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
Who would do such a crazy thing. 
Welcome to FTE, we would love to see a picture of your truck.
I found this in my bookmarks. I don't have the book so I can't speak to the quality. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Book-...uide,2867.html
I think there are more threads on the subject, Bob has it about covered although wouldn't you want a voltage reducer to the gauges?
The starter will handle 12 volts. It might wear out faster though.
I see you are from Missouri, what part? I'm in the center of the state, California, MO.
Welcome to FTE, we would love to see a picture of your truck.
I found this in my bookmarks. I don't have the book so I can't speak to the quality. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Book-...uide,2867.html
I think there are more threads on the subject, Bob has it about covered although wouldn't you want a voltage reducer to the gauges?
The starter will handle 12 volts. It might wear out faster though.
I see you are from Missouri, what part? I'm in the center of the state, California, MO.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Oddly enough, Ford used 6-volt gauges on many cars until the '70s. So they came equipped with a dash voltage regulator. The one I used is for a '67-'68 Mustang.
Okay, that's just the packaging. But it gives you a part number, and a place to look.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
Yeah, my bad. I can blame it on old age.
There are options for gauge voltage reducers:
1) Runtz reducers, need one per gauge. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Runtz-12-Volt-to-6-Volt-Voltage-Reducer,2374.html?sku=91064101&utm_medium=CSEGoogl e&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=Cj0K CQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TeZdIBjLmbVMOagKUENY-bxKJSOAyGW_V2vW89CUnGQCkd7wxU3AxYaAnbIEALw_wcB
2) The Ford reducer from a '63 Falcon will work.
3) A solid state reducer from all the popular sources. One for all gauges (not needed for ammeter). From about $30.00.
You can also get voltage reducers for your heater motor and windshield wipers.
Would love to see pics of your truck too.
There are options for gauge voltage reducers:
1) Runtz reducers, need one per gauge. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Runtz-12-Volt-to-6-Volt-Voltage-Reducer,2374.html?sku=91064101&utm_medium=CSEGoogl e&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=Cj0K CQiAvqDiBRDAARIsADWh5TeZdIBjLmbVMOagKUENY-bxKJSOAyGW_V2vW89CUnGQCkd7wxU3AxYaAnbIEALw_wcB
2) The Ford reducer from a '63 Falcon will work.
3) A solid state reducer from all the popular sources. One for all gauges (not needed for ammeter). From about $30.00.
You can also get voltage reducers for your heater motor and windshield wipers.
Would love to see pics of your truck too.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,356
Likes: 1,777
From: Western NY
I'm with Harrier? Who would do such a thing? The Group 1 6V batteries are readily available from the auto parts stores, tractor supply stores and similar. A well maintained 6V system is just as good as a well maintained 12V system. I feel that those who boast "performance improvements" with their new 12V systems with new battery, charging apparatuses, new wires etc are comparing to a rundown 6V system. The 6V system would have the same improvements if all the same items were refreshed (and probably for a little less $$$ too)...
If you really want to convert to 12V system, it is very possible and has been done, but the first question would by why - what are your goals in doing so - you may just not need to?
If you really want to convert to 12V system, it is very possible and has been done, but the first question would by why - what are your goals in doing so - you may just not need to?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,675
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
Now Bob is going off the deep end. Electric wipers, crazy talk.
With 6V you have to worry more about grounds. You also are limited on extra stuff you want to add like AC and stereo. Most people use their phone for music and GPS. There is a thread on hooking up a power source to be able to charge your phone while driving.
6V generally has less powerful lights.
I've been happy with my 6V system, but it's not a daily driver either. Which brings up the question, what are your plans for your truck?
Here is a pdf on the conversion I found. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1307471855
When I clicked on the link it downloaded the pdf file for me.
With 6V you have to worry more about grounds. You also are limited on extra stuff you want to add like AC and stereo. Most people use their phone for music and GPS. There is a thread on hooking up a power source to be able to charge your phone while driving.
6V generally has less powerful lights.
I've been happy with my 6V system, but it's not a daily driver either. Which brings up the question, what are your plans for your truck?
Here is a pdf on the conversion I found. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1307471855
When I clicked on the link it downloaded the pdf file for me.
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 150
From: High Ridge, MO
Now Bob is going off the deep end. Electric wipers, crazy talk.
With 6V you have to worry more about grounds. You also are limited on extra stuff you want to add like AC and stereo. Most people use their phone for music and GPS. There is a thread on hooking up a power source to be able to charge your phone while driving.
6V generally has less powerful lights.
I've been happy with my 6V system, but it's not a daily driver either. Which brings up the question, what are your plans for your truck?
Here is a pdf on the conversion I found. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1307471855
When I clicked on the link it downloaded the pdf file for me.
With 6V you have to worry more about grounds. You also are limited on extra stuff you want to add like AC and stereo. Most people use their phone for music and GPS. There is a thread on hooking up a power source to be able to charge your phone while driving.
6V generally has less powerful lights.
I've been happy with my 6V system, but it's not a daily driver either. Which brings up the question, what are your plans for your truck?
Here is a pdf on the conversion I found. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1307471855
When I clicked on the link it downloaded the pdf file for me.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
That's the PDF I was looking for! Thank You! I'll get some pics posted shortly. Since I'm going to have to rewire her any way, I'd like the dependability/reliability and consistency of 12 volts. Not planning a/c or any modern "comforts" but aspire for a part time daily driver and ease of charging, parts replacement and so on with 12 volts. Many thanks to all who responded!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 47
From: Lancaster county, PA
I have a 51 f-1 I restored a while back.......all new wiring harness.....then drove it for a while with 6 volts......the usual dim head lights...very slow cranking even after changing the cables......I decided to do the 12 volts and have been pleased with it..... probably 10 years now and have no issues .....
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,172
Likes: 4,772
From: Burbank, WA
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
Here's the alternator mounting bracket you will need. You can do better costwise by buying items separately from different sources.
https://www.vintageautogarage.com/Al.../bkt4853h6.htm
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