6v to 12v
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
The condenser is not voltage sensitive. All it basically is is an arc suppressor to prevent or reduce arcing at the points when they open and break the circuit to the coil. The coil, on the other hand, is voltage specific. You definitely need to either get a true 12V coil or add a ballast resistor to your 6V coil. The starter solenoid is a toss up. They don't stay pulled in for very long and a 6V unit will consequently last a long time on 12V. Are you keeping the original starter push button on the dash? If so, it works by simply grounding the trigger terminal on the solenoid. This will require keeping the original solenoid as the newer 12V solenoids are wired differently internally and won't work without rewiring for a two-terminal starter button that will supply hot 12V to the solenoid trigger terminal instead of grounding it. But if you're rewiring from scratch anyway, a 12V solenoid is only about $12. You're better off just getting a 12V piece, replacing and rewiring the button, and not having to worry about it. The 6V starter itself is pretty robust. It will spin twice as fast and can get hot if you crank for an extended period of time on 12V, but you'd just about have to intentionally crank one until it burnt up to hurt it. I've seen very few 12V conversions where the owner went to the trouble and expense of having the 6V starter rewound for 12V use. It's not necessary or worth it.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Here are two threads on the subject you might want to read through:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...onversion.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ing-101-a.html
If you are going to change to 12 volt, get rid of the 6 volt components. Any time you mix it adds "stress" to the electrical system. 6V starter is ok just don't turn it over too long and if you ever have to replace it, do so with a 12 volt unit. For the 2 items yo mentioned, replacing them with 12 volt is only going to cost you $10. I just bought a new 12 volt "Gold" (lifetime warranty) starter solenoid for $7.00.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...onversion.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ing-101-a.html
If you are going to change to 12 volt, get rid of the 6 volt components. Any time you mix it adds "stress" to the electrical system. 6V starter is ok just don't turn it over too long and if you ever have to replace it, do so with a 12 volt unit. For the 2 items yo mentioned, replacing them with 12 volt is only going to cost you $10. I just bought a new 12 volt "Gold" (lifetime warranty) starter solenoid for $7.00.
