Switching from 6V to 12V--a pain?

[norma]

I've got a 6 volt system in my 67. Does it make any sense to switch it to 12V? I'd like to run a stereo system in it but I can't with the 6V. I haven't read anything about it here on the forum (that I remember) and maybe it's more work than it's worth. What do you guys think? Has anybody done it? What do you have to do to make it work? Thanks.

[devotion]

new battery, new lights, voltage reducers for your gauges or they will self destruct.

[Dutchie3719]

Also, don't forget the coil and condenser, probably Alternator and relays to boot. You'll also have to change the voltage for the window wiper motor (or have turbocharged wiper speeds) The fluid senders (fuel, temp, etc) need to be resisted to 6V. Basically the gauge cluster voltage needs to match senders.

Also a fuse box replacement might be a good idea. You will need to change the fuses themselves.

If you want to get all science-y about it...the wires should be fine, but since your passing twice as much voltage through it, the resistance for end-line components needs to be twice as high to keep same amps. V=I/R (I being current (amps))

Hope this helps

-Dan

-Jay (redskinsjbs)

[tjones02]

From my experience it's easier to keep things 6 Volt than convert to 12. I have gone both ways with my own and customer cars. Are you keeping the rest of the car relatively stock?

Correct 6V battery is 19L. This fits the original early battery holder.

12V is group 35. This requires purchase or fabrication of a proper battery hold down.

There are lots of things to change away from 6V but there are some surprising things that can stay for a while and work well w/ 12V...

-The 6V wiring is heavier/thicker gauge than the 12V harness. 6V requires more current to do the same job...

-Starter: the one in my Red stayed 6V for over 10 years with no trouble.

-Blower motor... worked really well for 10 years.

-Switches: the only one that needs to change is the headlight switch as the potentiometer will burn out.

-Headlight relay in LF corner of engine bay is STILL going after over 20 years on 12V.

Then there are things that MUST change to 12V...

-Every light bulb in the entire car...

-Lighter element

-Ignition coil, the condenser is the same for 6 or 12V

-Alternator and Voltage regulator. Also require mounting brackets for the Alt.

-Tachometer/Clock, Temp and Fuel gauges as well as fuel level sender.

-Wiper motor

-Turn signal relay. I can advise on converting to the later "normal" '02 relay.

-Horn relay, if it has one.

-Lots more but it's late and past my bed time.

If you DO convert to 12V I will be happy to take all your leftover 6V parts.

HTH

[chipperwerks]

Sounds like going 12v would be a rather large hassle. I don't know the answer but someone will.....can a 12v battery be stepped down to 6v? I read your earlier post on trying to find a 6v batt. So maybe ...... Just a thought!

[tjones02]

I read your earlier post on trying to find a 6v batt. So maybe ...... Just a thought!

I have a 6V group 19L battery I got from Interstate Batteries http://www.interstatebatteries.com/ You can find any local Interstate dealer and have them order you a 19L.

[chipperwerks]

Thanks Tom!..... Not my origional post but... When my mowers batt kicks the bucket, I'll know where to go! Norma should just get a 6v... I agree. What I was asking is , can a 12v batt be converted down to 6v.... The more I think about it, it also sounds like a hassle. Input?

[tjones02]

Yeah cool that they have ANY battery, even for my laptop.

Way too much hassle to down voltage a 12V battery to 6V.