Best Quality Automotive Wiring At The Best Prices
(972) 240-6851
8am - 10pm CST, 7 Days A Week!
Menu
How To Convert From A 6 Volt Automotive System to 12 Volts
Blog Home / How To Convert From A 6 Volt Automotive System to 12 Volts

Between the 1930’s and the mid 1950’s, 6 volt electrical systems were the norm. Properly maintained, these systems work just fine decades later. However, many vehicle owners decide to convert from 6 volts to 12 volts in order to be able to use more readily available electrical components. If you decide to convert your 6V system up to 12V, here’s what you need to know.

You Can Keep A Lot of What You Have

Converting to a 12V system doesn’t mean you’re going to have to invest in a bunch of new components. Your starter, distributor, and even your gauges can be kept.

When you convert to 12V you can still use your existing 6V distributor; the only component that has to be changed is the condenser (it must be upgraded to a 12V type).  The ignition coil must also be changed to a 12V coil.  You also want to be sure to use a 12V ignition ballast resistor that’s specific to the brand of vehicle that you’re working on…you don’t want to use a Ford ballast resistor on a GM, or a Chrysler on a Ford, or a GM on Chrysler, etc.

Your 6 volt starter will also work with the 12 volt system, with the caveat that you want your engine to start up relatively quickly. That will prevent your starter from being engaged too long and overheating. Incidentally, the engine will turn over much better on 12 volts, so if you’ve got a 6V system that’s slow to start, you might be pleasantly surprised when you convert.

Your 6V gauges can operate on a 12 volt system as well, but you’ll want to install a voltage reducer in-line on your gauge’s power circuit.

You’ll Need New Lighting and A New Heater Motor

When you upgrade you’ll need to replace your 6V seal beams and bulbs with 12V seal beams and bulbs.  Many times, 6V bulb sockets will accept a 12V bulb with a little effort. Try removing one of the bulb tangs with a file or grinder, just be sure to go slow and check for fitment. Of course, there are also 12 volt replacement bulbs designed specifically for 6 volt sockets.

The heater motor will also need to be replaced. While this is isn’t a hard and fast rule, we have found that any given manufacturer’s first generation 12V heater motor can be interchanged with the same model’s 6V heater motor. We’ve seen numerous examples of a manufacturer switching a heater motor from 6V to 12V and the two motors being essentially the same. Therefore, you might see about finding a 12V heater motor from one of the first models to convert.

Alternatively, you may have to adapt a 12 volt blower motor to your heater case.  There are also some manufacturers that offer voltage reducers that will be heavy enough to handle a 6V blower motor – just be sure to match up the current correctly.

Back to Top