6V question. Need expert advice.

[Guest Anonymous]

I have a '67 1600 that runs on a 6v system. I want to run a modern stereo in the car but the stereo needs 12v to operate. I know there are a few options here and I DO NOT want to convert the car to 12v. I found a converter on ebay that claims it will allow me to run 12v accessories with a 6v battery. Its an old radio shack item that isnt even made anymore so I'm a little skeptical.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4601345990&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

I also read that I can run 2 6v batteries in "series" and that would produce 12v. Has anyone done this before? Also, would my generator keep BOTH batteries charged or would it draw too much strain on the generator to keep me able to get enough juice to get the car started?

Also, if I were to add a second 6v battery, is it recommended that I put the second battery in the trunk, under the back seat, or relocate both batteries to the trunk?

Anyone have sone expert advice? And please dont tell me to convert the car to 12v.

Christian[/url]

[Guest Anonymous]

You should be able to still buy 6v-12v converter.I ran them on my 67 1600. But the coversion upgrade is easy.

Good Luck

[Mike87]

I remember that my brother ran one of those 6-12V converters on his VW bug before he converted the whole system to 12V. It worked really well for the stereo.

Good luck,

[Guest Anonymous]

You can't run two batteries. To put it simple you would have unequal draw and charge to them and they would not last long. The convertor looks like the way to go.

[ingraham]

Example:

Do a Google search to find others. An inverter is the simplest solution to your problem. (BTDT on a 1959 VW.)

[BarryA]

stereo head unit - just make sure you get one that's capable of handling the amperage draw created by the audio equipment you want to install. I've used inverters in the past on 6 volt VWs and 356 Porsches, but only for basic AM/FM casette stereos - most of 'em don't put out enough amps to handle a head unit plus an equalizer, CD changer, amplifiers, etc.

Don't know if they're still available or not, but there used to be 12 volt batteries available that had a third tap in the middle so 6 volts could be drawn off - the idea was to use a modern 12 volt alternator to keep the battery charged, but keep the rest of the vehicle's 6 volt electrical system intact. You would need to swap your 6 volt generator for a 12 volt alternater (320 internal requlator unit would probably be the best bet), but the advantage in your case would be that you could pull power off the center tap keep all the lights, guages, etc, operating on 6 volts, while taking power off the 12 volt end of the battery for as much audio equipment as desired.

The same thing could accomplished with two 6 volt batteries mounted in series - the two batteries should be mounted adjacent to each other, and remember that it takes more amps to turn a starter on 6 volts than it does on 12, so the positive cable from a pair of trunk mounted 6 volt batteries to the starter is gonna have to be BIG. You might be able to get two Optima 6 volt units to fit in your engine compartment battery tray, but 6 volt Optima's cost as much as 12 volt units, so you're looking at over $200 in battery cost to go that way.