MERRYYY XMAS EVERYONE.... welll i need help on this im trying to figure out wat is that i need to convert my car into a 12vlt my car is a 6 and im having trouble w it.. i own a 51 cadillac what is it that i need to do ? what parts do i need to buy ? and is there any website i can find kits where i can buy everything ?? thanks i appreciate it <3 -Angel Trujillo
think your going to have to hunt stuff,i don't know anywhere you can get everything,i'm going to do my car http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/six12.htmnd wrong addy see below
First, change all your globes to 12 volt. Install a 12 volt alternator. You can run your 6 volt starter on 12, just don't keep it spinning too long if she don't catch straight away. Any accesories like horn, radio, fans will either have to be replaced with 12 volt versions, or run through dropping resistors (Which can run hot) or you can make up a 6 volt electronic regulator set-up (Radio Shack in the U.S. I think). Your guages would have to be supplied with 6 volts as well (That's easier than trying to find 12 volt replacements-probably impossible for an early Caddy) Add a 12 volt battery to the list.
Along with the new alternator, you will have to adapt the old mount brackets or make new ones and probably a new belt. Don't forget about matching the alt. pulley to the engine drive pulleys or you will eat up belts. There will be some rewiring to do to eliminate the old voltage regulator. Don't forget the voltage drop block (12 - 8.5) for the ignition. Turn signal relay will have to be replaced as well as the horn relay. Original radio will need a voltage drop also.
'53 Cad should be 12 volts, maybe you can just swap the gas, temp and amp gauges from one of those - you've got to pull it out anyways to change all the bulbs in it. Same deal for your heater fan motor or any other key bits you want to swap. Most any 12V GM generator can be made to work, they're fairly interchangable. Stock starter will live just fine on the 12V, no worries there.
6Volt systems are pretty foolproof if well maintained. Good clean grounds and proper heavy battery cables are absolutely necessary for proper operation.
if you i can answer any questions hit me up im in calf as well i do 6v to 12v concerstions you can click on my link to see some of my work take care Roy and good luck