1949 F1
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1949 F1
Hey guys new here, figured that this seemed like a good place for some answers! My dad and I restored a 49 ford F1 w/ the flathead 6, in the mid 90's while I was in highschool. I am wanting to convert the old 6 volt system to a 12 voltsystem. How hard is this? I've heard that I need to replace the light bulbs, generator, and voltage regulator. If this is the case, what year voltage regulator and generator do I want to use so it will fit right in? Also am I gonna have problems with the defrost fan and windshiel wiper motor? Thanks I appreciate any input! Kenny
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
It's a pretty simple procedure. As long as the wiring is in good condition you can use it, a 6 volt system uses heavier wiring than a 12 volt system because it draws more current. Your starter will work fine. As you mentioned, you'll have to change all of your light bulbs and you'll have to use resistors before your gauges, ignition coil (unless you change to a 12 volt coil) and heater motor, also your radio if you're lucky enough to have a stock 6 volt radio.
You can use couple of different resistors I have used this type:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7429325
You may also be interested in this discussion on the HAMB board:
Technical How to Build a Voltage Regulator for $3 - THE H.A.M.B.
And since you're new here, with less than 25 posts, you aren't allow to use the search feature but you can use Google to do the same thing with pretty much the same results. Just enter "resistor", "voltage drop" or "6 volt system" and you should get the information you're looking for:
You can use couple of different resistors I have used this type:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7429325
You may also be interested in this discussion on the HAMB board:
Technical How to Build a Voltage Regulator for $3 - THE H.A.M.B.
And since you're new here, with less than 25 posts, you aren't allow to use the search feature but you can use Google to do the same thing with pretty much the same results. Just enter "resistor", "voltage drop" or "6 volt system" and you should get the information you're looking for:
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Hello and Welcome to FTE!
Changing over is really easy - just don't be intimidated. And if you have questions, just come back and ask.
If you are converting to 12 volt and don't mind that change in appearance, I would definately mount an alternator instead of a 12 volt generator. Reason is Alternators will produce more amps, but even more critically, they will do that at a lower RPM - like idle, so you don't have to worry about battery charge if you are driving a lot at night or in stop and go traffic.
There are lots of alternatives for alternators, but I would definately choose one of the "one wire" varieties, that has an internal regulator. That elliminates all the wiring to the the firewall mounted regulator and the regulator itself.
I have many links to help with 12 volt conversions. They are very specific and many contain step-by-step instructions and drawings Here is one of them:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...version-2.html
Changing over is really easy - just don't be intimidated. And if you have questions, just come back and ask.
If you are converting to 12 volt and don't mind that change in appearance, I would definately mount an alternator instead of a 12 volt generator. Reason is Alternators will produce more amps, but even more critically, they will do that at a lower RPM - like idle, so you don't have to worry about battery charge if you are driving a lot at night or in stop and go traffic.
There are lots of alternatives for alternators, but I would definately choose one of the "one wire" varieties, that has an internal regulator. That elliminates all the wiring to the the firewall mounted regulator and the regulator itself.
I have many links to help with 12 volt conversions. They are very specific and many contain step-by-step instructions and drawings Here is one of them:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...version-2.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff64F100CrewCab
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 24, 2015 09:52 PM
fifty-two_f1
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Aug 20, 2014 11:14 AM
1948 F1dude
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Oct 25, 2013 05:03 AM
