1952-59 Ford Another 12 volt question....

Ok so here is what I'm working with. 302 aod, gm hei, gm style starter with solenoid on the starter, one wire gm alternator, and a new rebel wire 14 circuit harness. What do i need to complete the 12 volt conversion? I know I need to change the bulbs all the way around, but what do i do with the dash stuff? Like gauges, switches, etc. thanks guys!!


Jason

 

There are regulator things to step down from 12V to 6V. There are some on ebay, never had to use, my knowledge on the subject is now exhausted...

http://cgi.ebay.com/DC-DC-Converter...273?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb4a625b9

 

Here is a real good guide for you too:http://reviews.ebay.com/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford_W0QQugidZ10000000001571127 If you are using the mini- starter from DB electrical you will still need a new solenoid to replace your old 6 volt one,the Autozone Duralast F490 is a H.D. unit($15.99) on a Ford the main power lead comes off the solenoid and goes to the fuse box in your new harness.The cables you use from the solenoid to the starter that have the flat terminals is also a good thing to use from the one wire alternator to the + Pos battery cable you may want to get two extra ones for ground cables,one from the alternator bracket to the frame and one from the intake manifold to the firewall.You won't have to change any switches,switches can't tell 6 volt from 12 volt,when you do the headlight switch you should call Rebel Wire Tech for an explanation in hooking it up most harnesses are GM friendly which can drive you nuts.You will probably want to add a push-pull switch so you can activate 4 way flashers that are built into the harness.

 

Jeff, doesn't the db starter already have the solenoid on it? Or am i mistaking the other cylinder attached to the starter as the solenoid? So really all I need is a voltage reducer for the fuel gauge and thats it??? I'm going to be running aftermarket gauges for temp, oil, and volts. So I'm not going to use the stock dummy lights our the stock temp gauge.

 

The db starter is set up like similar to a gm starter with the solenoid on top . I just bought one for an engine job I am doing for a customer . VERY small starter but works fine . Fast delivery as well !
Yes you just need voltage reducers for the fuel gauge , heater motor , and radio if using the stock one .

Jim

 

Baggs, here is a link on the starter install complete with pictures,this is how mine is wired I would not do it any other way this is why DB includes that wire with the starter.Click on this: http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2001/08/ministarter/index2.php Notice the picture of the solenoid in the lower right,the small terminal to the right marked " I " is where I attached the wires from the the electric choke and also is for the HEI's 12 volts that way it turns 12 volt power on and off from the key switch.

 

On the mini starter I got from them all I did was run a wire from the starter solenoid to the solenoid positive side and it works just fine when I push the starter ****on !

Jim

 

RETRO-JIM

so i do not need to run a stock style starter solenoid if im using the db starter? i just want to make sure im doing it right, never done any kind of engine work before.

 

I am still using one on mine . There were no instructions telling me if I did or didn't have to use the Ford style fender solenoid . I wired mine to the starter side of the solenoid not the battery side .

Jim