Hey everyone ,I just got a 55 customline and it runs and drives, 1 question is this positive ground? because the neg side of the battery goes to ground on the block and positive goes down to starter. Is it possible someone put in a 12 volt gen but kept the 6 volt battery in it.
The 1959 version of Motors Auto Repair Manual lists the 55 V8 as a 6v Positive ground for the generator B5S-10002A with Regulator B5A10505C. I noticed the 52 though 58 starters were the same part number, so it should be able to handle 12V. 1956 on is listed at 12V generators.
i like to convert to 12 volt -but maybe someone did a 12 volt conversion with the current generator internally . and then the guy i got it from bought a 6 volt battery because he knew no better (maybe) how can I check this out
Look for clues, you might have a mix of a couple of people working on it. Pull a tail light bulb. 12V are 1157. 6V are 1154. Look at your headlamps see if they're 12V or 6V. Measure the output of your generator and see if you're getting 6v or 12v. Run the part # of the regulator and see if 12V or 6V. See if someone added the little runtz adaptor the the back of your gas gauge (***uming it's working). If not, it's still 6v dependent. Even if it's 6V though and through, it's not a big deal to convert to negative ground. Just make sure all the components are switched everywhere in the car. Keep in mind too, the previous owner could have been at a parts store and the "helpful" counter person switched out batteries and hooked it up wrong. I've seen that before. Hope any of this helps.
i pulled the bulbs they are 6 volt 1154 not 1157 and they work .gas gauge works and gen light is on . i have some more looking over to do
take a volt meter and measure the batt. voltage with it running and not. 55 was the last year for 6 volt. 56 started 12volt. but someone could have changed it, they even make a 12 volt batt. that looks like a 6 volt.
It is possible someone put the battery in the wrong way round and the car is now negative ground. It is real easy to convert it back if you must but it really doesn't make much difference either way. The only problem may be if someone forgets and puts the battery back in the right way round. Regards
thanks all. I will be looking at changing to 12 volt . I can tell ya 1 thing, it starts like a 6 volt -s l o w.
If the generator light is on and the negative cable is going to ground you will not get a charge,reverse the cables so you have a positive ground and if the generator light stays on you will have to re-polarize the system at the voltage regulator.Fords have what is called an "A" system to polarize it locate the "ARM" & "BAT" terminals on the voltage regulator and with a jumper wire touch both terminals at once it will spark and that's all there is to it.Start the car and the light should be out. When you decide to go 12 volt save this: http://reviews.ebay.com/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford?ugid=10000000001571127
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