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1954 Bel Air 6V to 12V conversion

12 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2010 at 9:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Electrical, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 12 ignition system by dryhole

Oct 15, 2010 (5:44 pm)

I clicked this because I want to hook the fuel gauge back up on a truck converted from 6 to 12 volts. I was reading the posts and thought I'd put in my 2 bits. I believe if you're going to stay with the breaker type distributor you're going to have to change a few more things. The condensor is supposed to be 12 volts. A resistor needs to be installed before the coil (changing the coil was already mentioned). This increases the life of the contacts. To make the engine start easier a 12 volt jumper wire bypasses the resistor. It connects to the R terminal on a later model GM starter solenode. On a 12 volt Ford solenode it connects to the small terminal towards the large starter terminal. I'm working on a 54 GMC truck and it has a manual operator for the starter drive and switch. The switch (which bolts on top of the starter) has an extra terminal for the 12 volt system, the jumper wire it connects to it. I think you are going to have problems if you connect the jumper to the starter terminal, it needs to be isolated. I also have an old Ford truck converted to 12 volts, I replaced the breaker system with a Mallory electronic Unilite system. The engine starts much easier with the wiring configured like this than following Mallory's schematic. A resistor type coil may negate the need for much of this, but Mallory was still asking for the resistor.

#7 of 12 Re: ignition system [dryhole] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 15, 2010 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: dryhole (Oct 15, 2010 5:44 pm)
Thanks for jumping in on this. The original poster might have left some months ago, but this will be available for all new comers to read.

#8 of 12 Re: ignition system [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas

Oct 27, 2010 (7:08 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 15, 2010 5:48 pm)
Anyone ever heard a Model A horn that's hooked up to 12 volts?
 
A buddy once did a 6 to 12 volt conversion on a Volkswagen bug. He didn't bother with the horn or the wiper motor. Before it burned out, the horn could be heard for blocks and the wipers were hyper!

#9 of 12 Re: ignition system [isellhondas] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 27, 2010 (8:12 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Oct 27, 2010 7:08 am)
some 6V components can take 12V for short bursts, like starter motors. Most other parts will succumb to frying, however.

#10 of 12 Re: ignition system [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas

Oct 27, 2010 (8:44 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 27, 2010 8:12 am)
Yep, 12 volts will sure get a sluggish 6 volt starter's attention!
 
At least for awhile.

#11 of 12 Re: ignition system [isellhondas] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 27, 2010 (9:16 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Oct 27, 2010 8:44 am)
They do make 8V batteries for this purpose---gives the 6V starter a bit more spin but doesn't stress it too much.

#12 of 12 Re: ignition system [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas

Oct 27, 2010 (9:43 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 27, 2010 9:16 am)
I remember seeing a lot of those 8V batteries in Mercurys for whatever reason. I think they wouldn't blow the 6V bulbs.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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