I am now venturing in to changing my 6 volt system to a 12 volt system on my 1954 Ford F100. I purchased my wiring harness from ezwiring and am just about to start. Does anyone have any sugestions on past experiences or things not to do? And I am curious on the generator idea should I get a twelve volt alternator or generator?? What else do I need to purchase other than bulbs?? Thanks soo much..

 

6v to 12v
My thought since you ask . Yes do it.
My exp was simular. '53 Ford tractor 6v pg changed to 12 v neg gd. Most people like to use gm alt w/reg built in. I used what I had Ford 55amp modified pulley to fit wider belt,Ballest resistor,12v coil 12v battery, 12v reg, changed all lite bulbs ,starter continued to turn in correct direction . I forget wiring diagram perticular's but think I refered to old diagram in motorist manual for guidlines.

It improved every aspect of trac elec system. Larger amp alt be better if avaliable. Gm alt work ok deleting xternal reg.
If you have electric gauges they will need changing or some means of voltage reduction.

My suggestion would be to chk starter rotation first disconect power and jump w/ 12v checking distributor rotation if necessary. If this turn's wrong direction then you have to find way to reverse starter. you can do this with a little research for the pieces you need and ref material . good luck chuck

 

I Recently changed my 53 Marmon Ford from 6 pos. to 12 neg. Most things dont care which way voltage comes from. Starter(6volt) still on ,works good so far and turns right way. On amp guage you have to reverse the wire connectors, and watch any grounded switches, reverse wires on themMine ran originally with a 12 volt batt just reversed, I have since changed coil and most wiring, I could find no one to help me so I just did it, get a volt amm meter and a 12 volt light probe and it is not too hard at all. I found a fan belt between the sizes of old crank and water pump and narrow alt pulley, been working ok for about 6 mth, shows no bad wear.
unclejon80

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Dec-01 AT 06:06 PM (EST)]There are several gotchas particularly if you have accessories such as 6V wipers, heater, radio.
Id start with the basics wiring info in the back of Patricks catalog and go from there with questions.
There is also a Tex Smith book on wiring street rods that really gets into details.
And yes, a 6V starter is just fine on 12V, if its any good it will pbly outlast your ownership.

A 12V genny and its matching regulator is a direct swap. If you are going to get nuts with electronics, doors, windows, etc then go to an alternator.

Good Luck
Carl 54 F-350

 

In your research for info on 6v to 12v check out the tech article on this web page. It will give you a complete run down on how to do it.
My truck was converted using an alternator but I think they forgot about dropping the voltage for the guages. You can, at considerable expense, have your guage panel updated with new 12v guages by one of the companies that advertise in the truck mags. I have an extra guage panel or 2 and am thinking about sending one off for a rebuild and get a new speedo and a panel that looks like new. That way when I swap in a different motor I won't have to worry about it and the interior will still look original.

rogerf100
1955 F100

 

 

Well the conversion has been completed almost. There are a few small things I need to do yet but I completley rewired the truck.. EZ wiring harness was the one I chose to use and it was treat. Thanks again for the info..

 

hey caddy, at work we use the 120 amp alts on the tractors because they have a much heavier from bearing, other than that there a normal alt, i think the smaller amp units don't have the heavier bearing setup or twin pullie

 

If using the stock gauges don't just put in a regular resister to drop voltage, you need to get "runtz" style resistors that are a little pricey but will protect the old stock gauges well. There's also some kind of unit in 60's Fords that does the same thing you can find in a junkyard car, but I'll let someone who knows more about what to look for chime in there.

When getting new lights, go for the halogen headlights. After years of running dim yellow six volt bulbs, the headlights were the first thing I tried and lit up my entire backyard. That alone was enough reason to do it.

 

Changed my 51F1 to 12 volts. Check out site "bonusbuilt.com" Very helpful and informative. Even shows pictures. The 60's fords had a voltage reducer on the gauge package that will work on your gauges. Good luck. Tim

 

On the '53-'55 gauges, you can use '56 gauges but you need to change the gauge face tin and darn it, I just had a brain melt and forgot what else I changed. Oh yeah, I think I changed the actual mounting plate as well. The earlier gauges used hoops for the volt meter, and I think the '56 gauges used posts. Also, unless you're converting all the accessories, you need to use a reducer between the ign. switch and the accessories (radio heater wipers). Use '56 dash switches and bezels, and you're pretty much set. I agree with the GM alt for simplicity, or just use a later Ford gen. and you can keep everything looking stock. The starter can stay 6 volt, and it doesn't matter which polarity, it won't last as long, but it will work for quite a while. The bulbs all need to be changed, and the turn signal switch unless you tie it in to the voltage reducer. The sending unit in the tank needs to get switched also, actually, no I don't think I changed mine, and it still worked fine for a very long time, actually, it still works and it's been ten years. I think that's it.

 

I purchased a complete new guage set from www.nolimit.net So I got that under control. In addition I changed all the lights however I need to figure out the heater motor and the windshield wipers. thats about it... Thanks for all the replys I appreciate it much.

 

Your choices for the heater motor, and wiper motor are pretty much going through one of the restoration catalogs, and getting the conversion motors and or kits. If you don't want to spend that much on the wiper kit, then you could go with a vacuum wiper motor. I'll check one of my parts trucks, because I think the parts out of my 53 F-800 were all converted to 12 volt. I'm going with the vacuum wipers for my F-800, and there's still a few parts left over from it. I think I've got an extra vacuum motor too.

 

If you are going to be pulling a load or driving in hilly country you won't keep the vaccuum wipers for long IMHO.