12V & electronic ignition conversions
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 327
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From: Stationed in----- Yucca Valley, CA
12V & electronic ignition conversions
I can't seem to get the search posts function to work on this site.
Is there a writeup on converting:
1) from pos grnd to neg grnd (remaining 6V)
2) completely changing over to a 12V neg ground system
3) converting points in a Y block distributor to electronic ignition
Any help would be much appreciated; the application is a 256 Y block in a 54 C700 COE.
...I just noticed that the thread title leaves out the 256 Y block, hmmmmm.
Is there a writeup on converting:
1) from pos grnd to neg grnd (remaining 6V)
2) completely changing over to a 12V neg ground system
3) converting points in a Y block distributor to electronic ignition
Any help would be much appreciated; the application is a 256 Y block in a 54 C700 COE.
...I just noticed that the thread title leaves out the 256 Y block, hmmmmm.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: Houston U.S.
I would sure want a 12 volt electrical for sure!!!!...Best way is to surve arounf the internet, and study the 6v to 12 v on older Fords, but you will have to change some major wiring my dear...Im with you, i would do it to it, i neve did one, but i know many wiring has to be changed...Ill bet user "312" could tell you everything you need to do.....Janet
EDIT" I do know some things for starters, first off your ignition wires will be neeed to be a larger gauge wire, next, that voltage regulator won;t cut the mustard anymore, next that generator, isn't going to do a fair job,next your starter isnt designed for that 12 volt,...whew)))) if you have the money and time, i would leave it alone if it runs good...I had darned good luck with my 6 volt 51 ford sedan, it all matters what you want....its your decision, i hope you luck!!!.....Janet
EDIT" I do know some things for starters, first off your ignition wires will be neeed to be a larger gauge wire, next, that voltage regulator won;t cut the mustard anymore, next that generator, isn't going to do a fair job,next your starter isnt designed for that 12 volt,...whew)))) if you have the money and time, i would leave it alone if it runs good...I had darned good luck with my 6 volt 51 ford sedan, it all matters what you want....its your decision, i hope you luck!!!.....Janet
Last edited by Janet40; Jul 21, 2004 at 04:13 PM.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
12V Conversion
4X:
Converting 6V positive ground to negative ground is as simple as swapping the battery cables around. There is no performance advantage for doing this.
Switching to 12 Volt negative ground, you will need to change the following to 12 Volt components:
Battery
Starter relay (solenoid)
Horn relay
All lamps and bulbs
Turn signal flasher
Ignition coil (with built-in resistor)
Heater blower motor
Generator
Voltage regulator
You will also need to add "Runtz" voltage dropping resistors to both the temperature and fuel gauge power feeds. These are available from various sources (Dennis Carpenter Reproductions, e.g.) You could also possibly use a heavy duty voltage reducer on the heater blower motor, but switching to a 12V unit is simpler and safer. More......
Converting 6V positive ground to negative ground is as simple as swapping the battery cables around. There is no performance advantage for doing this.
Switching to 12 Volt negative ground, you will need to change the following to 12 Volt components:
Battery
Starter relay (solenoid)
Horn relay
All lamps and bulbs
Turn signal flasher
Ignition coil (with built-in resistor)
Heater blower motor
Generator
Voltage regulator
You will also need to add "Runtz" voltage dropping resistors to both the temperature and fuel gauge power feeds. These are available from various sources (Dennis Carpenter Reproductions, e.g.) You could also possibly use a heavy duty voltage reducer on the heater blower motor, but switching to a 12V unit is simpler and safer. More......
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
while you're at it, you might want to consider going to an alternater with internal regulator which is real simple to install. You do not need to change any wiring (assuming it is in good condition). The 6 Volt starter is more than up to the task of handling 12 Volts and will spin the mill faster.
I just did this on my '55 Customline 272 and the thing starts in 1 second! Lights are bright and I can add accessories, finally. Good luck.
I just did this on my '55 Customline 272 and the thing starts in 1 second! Lights are bright and I can add accessories, finally. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: Houston U.S.
If he decides to go back with a generator, i wonder f he could go with an exteranl (electronic) voltage regulator...I think i would want to change my starter though anyway, it's great you get fast power on those starts, but wow, it's hell on that commutator...Janet
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Yes, you need to use a 12V external regulator with a generator as noted in the post. Not sure what you mean by electronic regulator as these are mechanical (points type) devices typically. The 6 Volt starter has heavier gauge wiring compared to a 12 Volt unit designed to handle the high amperage of the 6 Volt system. Switching to 12 V will cut the amp draw in half, so no problem. The commutator doesn't care either. The starter drive (Bendix) might not like the additional speed and shock it will experience however. That will become the weak link, not the commutator.
