| Converting From 6 to 12 Volts
When converting an electrical system from 6 volts to 12
volts the most basic things to do are as follows:
The Ignition System
You can use your 6 volt distributor; the only component
that has to be changed is the condenser to a 12 volt type. The
ignition coil must be changed to a 12 volt coil. Always
use a 12 volt ignition ballast resistor for the brand of
vehicle you are working on. (Ford, GM, Chrysler, etc.)
The Starter
Your 6 volt starter will work with the 12 volt system as
long as your engine starts ok and does not require the starter
to be engaged too long and over heat. The engine will turn
over much better on 12 volts.
The Lighting
You can replace your 6 volt seal beams and bulbs with 12
volt seal beams and bulbs. I have found that many 6
volt bulb sockets will accept a 12 volt bulb by simply removing
one of the bulb tangs with a file or grinder. There
are also 12 volt replacement bulbs for 6 volt sockets.
The Gauges
Your 6 volt gauges can operate on a 12 volt system by using
a voltage reducer. This will be installed in-line on
your gauges power circuit.
The Heater Motor
I have found that when a manufacturer switches from 6 volt
to 12 volt in a model change a lot of the time the first
12 volt heater motor will be very similar to the previous
6 volt model and will interchange. Or you may have
to adapt a 12 volt blower motor to your heater case. There
are some manufacturers that have voltage reducers that will
be heavy enough to handle a 6 volt blower motor.
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