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1952-59 Ford 12 Volt conversion

Discussion in 'Off Topic Hot Rods & Customs' started by greaser 35, Jun 21, 2021.

  1. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Hello,
    I would like to pass my Ford '54 customline 6 cylinder 6 volt in 12 Volt that you advise me to take for pertronix the 1161 where the 1266 and for the dynamo, what to choose? Alternator or dynamo ??? I’m a little lost!!
     
  2. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    I vote for the alternator. They are more reliable and don't require much attention. Also your lights won't go dim at idle speed as with a generator (dynamo).
     
    JeffB2 likes this.
  3. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    This would be another way to go https://www.ebay.com/itm/201528534695?hash=item2eec0966a7:g:T0IAAOSwcu5URpLE You would be able to retain your 6 volt system but have a 60 Amp alternator also this is a one wire hook up that means less clutter under the hood as all the old wiring and voltage regulator could be removed, with this one wire all you need is one 10gauge wire from the battery terminal to the alternator.
     
  4. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Ok Jeff,
    But I want to switch to the 12v anyway,
    so an alternator, but do you have any examples of alternator style?
     
  5. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    Check the link below for example photos of GM 1 wire alternators. Amazon also has them and ships internationally. Unless you plan on adding electrical accessories that require a lot of amps I would use an alternator of 100 amps output or less. The higher the output the more power required from the engine to run the alternator.

    https://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/JEGS-1-Wire-GM-Alternators/750748/10002/-1
     
  6. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

  7. Zax
    Joined: May 21, 2017
    Posts: 884

    Zax
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have a '53 with a 6 cylinder converted to 12v with alternator. I can get you pics and model number if you like.
     
  8. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 16,995

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My new alternator is a 100 amp PowerMaster eventho I'm never going to need that much. It is a single wire but in the instructions I can can continue to use the generator light. Very easy to follow the instructions. It connects to the regulator, which is no longer used, as a junction point. All the original wires are also used.
    Remember you are changing from a positive ground system to a negative ground system. Others here can tell you what's needed.
     
  9. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Yes, Thank you!
     
  10. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

  11. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Ok, my list to switch to 12 v :
    Alternator
    coil
    battery
    Headlight
    bulb light & fuses
    klaxon
    disconnect the heater & clock
    I forgot nothing???
     
  12. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    Use this as a check list https://darksidersrealm.forumotion....lt-positive-ground-to-12-volt-negative-ground # 13 on the list is this https://www.ebay.com/itm/1942110027...CwJftGUSwVy2UurRSf8lQS5iMAYRfr6EaAtGAEALw_wcB You will need that so your gauges will work with 12 volts only one is needed. You can see how it wires up in this diagram below DO NOT wire up the Amp meter with the alternator. 1mopar440#2.jpg
     
  13. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    A 6 volt to 12 volt conversion chart for your bulbs is in the "Sticky FAQ"
     
  14. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    I used the original ammeter when I converted my '53 to 12 volt negative ground. You need to reverse the direction the wire passes through the loop on the back of the ammeter or it will indicate backward. Also, since it's a 6 volt ammeter the needle doesn't swing as much as it would on 6 volts since it's now seeing 1/2 the amps of a 6 volt system.
     
  15. Zax
    Joined: May 21, 2017
    Posts: 884

    Zax
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Sorry for the late response. Just got back from a camping trip. Here are a few to start:
    Upper bracket is not the prettiest... IMG-0059.jpg IMG-0060.jpg IMG-0061.jpg IMG-0062.jpg
     
  16. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    This member has supplied valuble information on wiring on the H.a.M.B. for years you might want to read his post # 16 here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/amp-meter-wiring.859404/ A lot of forums recommend replacing the amp meter with a volt meter to prevent a possible fire hazard.
     
  17. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    I understand about the possible fire hazard, but my thinking is that if the ammeter is a fire hazard on 12 volts it would have been more so on 6 volts due to the greater amperage involved. It's kind of a moot point now since I sold the '53 several months ago.
     
  18. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Okay,I think I’m gonna order a nine-point 21-point beam! then order a new alternator and a 1261 pertronix kit for now !
     
  19. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Followed by all the little things you need! ( Bulbs, soleinoide, flasher unit, etc )
     
  20. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Hello, Since I put an alternator! do I need a voltage regulator 12v too?
     
  21. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    I have received my wire beam for now!!! I expect the rest of my pieces in 12v!!
     
  22. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    If your alternator is internally regulated (i.e. a GM 1 wire alternator) you don't need an external regulator. What's a wire beam?
     
  23. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    21 circuits Wiring harness wire kit Tomdobbs,*****ing translator !!
     
  24. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    Here’s the alternator I ordered!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  25. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

    Did it come with instructions?
     
  26. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    I ordered it but not yet received, but there must be instructions!! It’s new!!
     
  27. TomDobbs
    Joined: Jan 24, 2020
    Posts: 300

    TomDobbs

  28. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    Since you did not follow the 6 to 12 volt guide in the link above it is going to be hard to advise you,the one you ordered looks to have an odd mounting compared to a GM or Ford one wire like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174411124578?hash=item289bb68f62:g:bEMAAOSwHZJfR8uM With a one wire the regulator is internal and only one wire from the alternator to the positive battery post is required making the installation very easy.
     
  29. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    The problem is that now ordering from the US is hard for us, because the new taxes are very expensive, so I looked for an alternator in France so I didn’t have to pay the damn tax for any purchase!
     
  30. greaser 35
    Joined: Feb 15, 2010
    Posts: 898

    greaser 35
    Member
    from FRANCE

    All my parts for the 12v have been ordered in France! To once again avoid paying the tax
     

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