What’s the best 12volt conversion and complete wiring kit for a 1950 F2? I also would like to buy an alternator and battery that looks like the original 6 volt generator and 6 volt battery?? Any suggestions??

 

I would keep it 6V. There are few good reasons for converting a stock truck to 12V. 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)...

 

I've replaced the wiring in 2 of my trucks with stock wiring harness. 6V wire is twice as heavy as you need for 12V so it has a great margin built in. It's all about the amps the two systems draw.

Things that need changed if you go this route.
The generator needs to be rewired for 12V cause you want it to be able to put 13.4 back into the battery.
The starter will function on 12 but if you crank it for too long you will burn it out. It's not a big deal to change out the field coils or have it converted to 12 by a pro shop..Some guys believe 12V thru a 6V starter slams the bendix too hard into the ring gear causing the bendix spring to break. I'm not sure there is that much difference. If you drive a flathead, you WILL break a spring - not IF.
Light bulbs will all need to be changed to 12V.
Gauges in the truck will need to have a voltage drop added to the setup. Either individually (Runtz) or get one for the whole cluster (Ford used 6V gauges into the 70's so most cars in salvage yards have one you can pull from under the dash)
The distributor points don't like 12 volts so you need an ignition resistor (a ceramic resistor from a 70s Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth works well and NAPA carries them). OR use an internally resisted coil to drop the voltage to the points.
That's about it...

 

See the many changes above that need to be made. I agree with Bmoran that a 6 volt system will start your truck just as fast as a 12 volt system.

By mentioning you would like an alternator and starter that looks original, it sounds like you want to stay stock.

You will need new 00 gauge cables, positive terminal to ground, negative to starter solenoid, solenoid to starter. You'll need to have clean contacts free of paint and rust. If your starter is old it may need rebuilt.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

12 volts on my '51 flathead V8 6 volt starter created two issues for me. First, it does slam the ring gear hard, often binding and locking the starter. I would have to rock the truck back and forth in gear to break it loose. Second, over time it did pull the ring gear loose.
As a fix, I have a 12v winding from an early 60's ford but retained the 6v armature shaft. It's been working great for over 30 years
I haven't looked...but aren't those 12 v alternators that look like a generator expensive? You do get more amps from an alternator, but a 12 volt generator should supply plenty of amps for a stock '52 (even the 6 volt if you decide to keep it).

I have another vehicle, 1939 car in which I would not convert to 12v. I used Napa heavy duty tractor battery cables, good clean ground connections, new wiring, and the 6 volt system works really well. I am convinced there is nothing wrong with keeping 6 volts.

 

Another thot on alternator vs. generator:
An alternator requires a small amount of electric current to begin charging the battery. It will not charge a dead battery.
A generator will charge a completely flat battery which has been helpful once in awhile since i can push-start my truck.

 

Welcome to the forum! We'd love to know more about your truck and your plans for it. While some of the guys here have tried to be helpful with their thoughts, and with all due respect to my friends, they may not answer your questions directly.

Here's a link to the generator-looking alternator you asked for to fit the flathead. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-82021

I don't know of any 12v battery that looks like a 6v, but there are, or were, special boxes that you could put a modern battery inside that resembled an old, original 6v battery. I haven't seen one in a while so they may not be available anymore. You may want to research for that.

What exactly are you looking to gain, or what plans do you have for your truck that you want or need 12v? Modern creature comforts (audio, power accessories)?

 

On your advice I'm thinking of switching my 49 F1 back to six volts, where can I get blubs and headlights? Batteries seem to be available.
Thanks,
Rob

 

I don't know where you are, but in the US I've found NAPA or Batteries Plus can supply all sorts of bulbs. My NAPA keeps paper catalogs and they are my go-to source.