Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

12 Volt Conversion - Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 30, 2004 | 06:15 PM
  #1  
stephenpaysse's Avatar
stephenpaysse
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Whidbey Island, Washingto
12 Volt Conversion - Help

Need some help on my 53 Flat head. I have finally given up in the old 6 volt system and am converting to a 12 volt system. I’ve got everything up and working except the following. The Fuel Gauge, Temp Gauge and Oil Gauge are all on the same circuit. Question is what ohm and wattage resister to install? <O</O<O

The other item left out is the Wiper Motor. Same question as above. What ohm and wattage resister to install. <O</O

Any help you can provide would be a great help.<O></O>
Steve
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2004 | 06:42 PM
  #2  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,285
Likes: 1,050
From: NM
For everything but the wiper (and heater motor), most people have used a stock late-50's early '60's "CVR" (constant voltage regulator), you can get them at NAPA or the Ford dealer. Ford never really changed the gauges when they went 12v, they just broke the voltage down with the CVR. Just as many have hooked the gauges up to 12v and had no problems (calibration may change).

Most people have no luck with a resistor for the wiper or heater motor, because they just flat draw too much. Think "hair dryer" -- the resistor throws off a ton of heat and burns up. As popular as the 53-56's are I'd bet someone is making 12v replacements. For the heater motor you can find a similar 12v motor on many Fords of the '60's (Econolines in particular).

-- Ross
 
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2004 | 10:33 AM
  #3  
stephenpaysse's Avatar
stephenpaysse
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Whidbey Island, Washingto
Thanks fpr the help Ross. You got me on the right track. Your right, calabration does change, it doubles... Thanks for all the help.
Steve
 
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2004 | 12:19 PM
  #4  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,285
Likes: 1,050
From: NM
I don't think it doubles, because these gauges aren't resistance units. They use a bimetal heating element and "pulse" the gauge with full voltage (6v). Anyway, worth a try.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:05 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE