Posted By: ken65
6 volt to 12 volt - 05/04/09 02:39 AM
i have a 1952 dodge coronet with a 6 volt system. what do i need to change to convert to 12 volt? i know the coil needs to be changed as well as the bulbs. do i hook up the coil the opposite way it is now?
Posted By: 4speeds4me
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/04/09 03:58 AM
The coil should be hooked up the same, AFAIK, but be a 12V unit. The starter is gonna spin considerably faster on a 12V battery. Dad did this to a tractor years ago. It's a hoot. Starts real easy with that "high-torque" starter!
Not sure if the generator is the same...
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/04/09 02:47 PM
Go here,
http://www.merc583.addr.com/mopar/framesets/techtipframeset.html Scroll down to
Convert Or Keep The Faith, 6 or 12 volts
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/06/09 05:49 AM
Quote:
The coil should be hooked up the same, AFAIK, but be a 12V unit. The starter is gonna spin considerably faster on a 12V battery. Dad did this to a tractor years ago. It's a hoot. Starts real easy with that "high-torque" starter!
Not sure if the generator is the same...
I don't know whether the coil will be hooked up the same or not---isn't the 6V cars postitive ground?
You need to get a modern coil/ resistor for 12V, or run a complete 12V electronic setup, complete with matching coil. The coil needs to be hooked up to match ground polarity, IE neg ground 12V==coil neg to points
You can run the 6V starter
However, if you use a modern coil/ resistor combo, virtually ALL 12V cars had a resistor bypass circuit. This is done specifically for a hotter starting spark. You might have to add a relay or Ford type solenoid--several ways to do this--to provide "resistor bypass" during start
Wiper motor, radio, gauges, heater motor, all need dropping resistors. So far as gauges I don't remember the name, but theres a fairly high--buck regulator unit that will make these work correctly.
RESISTORS need to be calculated as per load. In other words, the same value resistor that runs the wipers will probably barely turn the heater blower
You'll need a 12 generator and matching regulator, or change to an alternator. By the way, at least some of the older wye wound Delco alternators could be "tapped" at the wye in the stator winding and brought out to provide 6V for lower power stuff like the temp/ fuel gauge.
I don't know if any of those old girls had overdrives, if so you'll need a resistor to drop the solenoid current.
OF cours change all the light bulbs
Posted By: KGorney
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/06/09 10:44 AM
Try this site:
http://www.ronfrancis.com/His entire product line is to support 6 volt to 12 volt conversions. His printed catalog has pages of technical info and FAQ as well.
Posted By: 4speeds4me
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/06/09 02:29 PM
I'm no expert, but if the current 6V system is positive ground, then AFAIK it's going to have to stay positive ground after 12V. Otherwise all the gauge polarity etc will be backwards, from what I recall. I know that the tractor Dad did is still positive ground, but it's now 12V.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/06/09 03:40 PM
Quote:
I'm no expert, but if the current 6V system is positive ground, then AFAIK it's going to have to stay positive ground after 12V. Otherwise all the gauge polarity etc will be backwards, from what I recall. I know that the tractor Dad did is still positive ground, but it's now 12V.
Nope Nope no, no
You want the 12V system NEGATIVE ground NO MATTER WHAT
This is because this is the "world standard" and any other accessories you buy (electronic) need to be 12V negative, and also because almost ALL 12V systems from the getgo were negative. (There were and maybe are a FEW industrial or trucks that are 12V positive ground--these are few and far between)
So far as gauges, just reverse the leads on the ammeter. Most gauges, like temp and fuel, may or MAY NOT need to be reversed. Some don't care as per polarity as they are "hot wire" gauges
THE REALLY important thing for delicate gauges like temp and fuel is to make sure you get the correct voltage drop. I'd leave these unhooked until you get everything else working, then deal with them.
Anthing like heater / wiper motor and probably clock, don't care. Likewise starter/ solenoid
Good luck finding a positive ground alternator, and yes, they do exist
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/06/09 08:45 PM
Thanks 440sixpack! It's all covered in the link I posted.
1. Mechanical gauges don't care.
2. ALL lights need to be changed.
3. Starter will work, just don't expect it to last another 50 years.
4. Generator/Alternator and regulator will have to be changed.
5. If the wiring is in good shape (?) it will handle 12 volts easily. Most 50 year old wiring isn't. You can go with a new stock harness and modify as needed or go aftermarket.
6. The electrical gauges and accessories will need to be replaced or have resistors installed. It isn't one simple resistor fits all, since the loads will be different.
7. Heater fans and any other electric motor will have to be replaced.
8. Ignition will have to be set up properly. At least the coil, maybe other stuff. BTW, one of the reasons they moved from + ground to - ground is the coil. Works better that way, as anyone who has got the leads backwards can tell you.
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: 6 volt to 12 volt - 05/08/09 03:26 AM