I looked around, but didn't see anything like this posted already. If I missed it, moderators please remove this post. I'm planning a 12v conversion in my '54 Vicky and have read several of the posts on here about it. I also found this guide on Ebay for a guy's '55 that I am using as a guide - http://reviews.ebay.com/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford_W0QQugidZ10000000001571127 Below is my parts list I have put together so far, with prices and part numbers where appropriate. For those that have done this already, am I missing anything? alternator bracket(Ebay) $100 mustang instrument voltage regulator(Ebay) $23 pertronix ignition(Mac's) $82 12127-1282 1 wire alternator(Summit) $90 SUM-810308 Starter solenoid(Summit) $12 ALL76203 ignition coil(O'Reilly) $31 AC Delco P/N U515 12v battery(O'Reilly) $100 Interior & exterior lamps $20
Play it safe and keep the points or carry an extra Pertronix with you ! They have a bad reputation and will leave you sitting and not every place carries one . You won't feel the difference between the stock points and electronic set up either . I am just being honest ! I been using points for 5 years . I have a new Accel set up and will sell it for $50 mailed to you . I just never used it and it's still in the orginal pack and never opened . The starter and solenoid will love the 12v ! No need to to buy a new one ! I have bought the cheap Wal Mart or Interstate batteries and they last just as long as the $100 batteries . I am going on 5 years with my cheap one and that came with the car ! Still going strong and sits a lot . I don't have a trickle charger either ! Save your money ! The alt bracket you can make one if you look at where it will be . Google and I think there are some sites that show you how to make one . I think you can do something cheaper at a U pull it salvage yard or make one . You can buy the top chrome plate at the auto supply stores and the bottom adjuster arm also . A lot less than $100 ! That's just way too much money IMO ! With the electronic conversion buy a better coil than stock . You will be happier in the long run . I have a high voltage MSD and paid about the same price as your Delco coil ! Mine was $39 at Pep Boys ! Check some prices in different places . Heck if you are at the salvage yard for the alt brackets just pick up a coil while you are there . You will need voltage reducers for you gas gauge , radio , heater unless that's the Mustang one you are referring to . Why Mustang ? You can get reducers a lot less on ebay or just make one yourself . I am only trying to help and save you a lot of money ! Jim
Thanks Jim! I appreciate the feedback. If I keep the points, what do I have to change on the distributor? Do you know part numbers for anything I might have to replace there? I just threw the battery in there as an estimate. Obviously I will measure the tray and pick up one that fits, for as cheap as possible. Is there a MSD coil that does not require an external ballast resistor? Part numbers are helpful! The Mustang regulator is the one recommended in the '55 guide. He warns against the inline reducers because if they fail the gauge will see the full 14 volts. Keep the suggestions coming!
The article you refer to is excellent. I'm going to flag it for later reference. I'm sure this subject will come up again. I would also recommend sticking to points. As Jim said, there is no upside to the Pertronix conversion, but I've experienced the downside myownself. Not good...especially in heavy Friday rush-hour traffic. Good luck!
Just use a 12v condenser and points are points . Just remove the old ones and take them to a REAL parts shop and they can get you a set . Rotor and cap will be the same and the dizzy will be fine . You MUST change the positive ground to neg ground . Nothing special there I wouldn't think . Personally I would get some mechanical gauges and use them over the 60+ year old gauges that came with the car , but that's me . There is a way to hide them when you are at a car show and don't want people to see them very easily ! Battery wise they do make very small batteries because a stand 12v will be bigger than the battery tray . I just used a piece of wood to fill the battery tray then used a good hold down set up and the bigger battery sits there just fine . As for the in-line voltage reducer haven't had a problem with them before but then someone will always have a problem with something going bad someplace . As for your wiring , that will be fine also unless if you do have the casing crumbling off then I would highly suggest a new wiring harness . As for a ballast resistor , I have one on the fire wall but when I hooked up my bigger coil I just replaced it and wired it up the way the old one was . I didn't see one hooked in the line at the dizzy . Never had any problems at all ! On the new engine I am building I will use a modern electronic distributor but they are built a lot better than the Pertronix set ups . I still have dual point distributors that I am considering on using because they look more like a stock one but will have to see . I have a HEI GM style , and about 6 other different distributors that I can use for my new engine . Will make my mind up when I have to on that ! The high beam switch on the floor is the same one and works fine and the horns work just as loud as they did so they are fine with 12v . That was a really good article I must say . Better than most I have seen over the years . Hope this helps some . Jim
Question! Do I need to change the voltage regulator next to the radiator to a 12v one? Some articles I have read mention it while others do not.
I'll throw in my 2 cents. One of the best investments you can make is to go to Speedway Motors web site and buy a little book called "The Official 12-volt Conversion Guide" by Randy Rundle. It covers everything you need to know. Of course, all of the guys here are a cornucopia of info too
Clustrfck, You have listed that you are going to use a one wire alt. You dont need a external voltage regulator. Regulator is built in alt. As to Jims comment about the pertronix set-up, My 54,55,56 Fords have a pertronix set with their coil and a MSD A6. 54&56 has been in use for well over 10 years and I have never had any problems or have been left on the road. I also have pertronix set up in my 56,57,58,Chevy's and just installed a set in my 50 chevy 235 six cly. I got tried of always adjusting the points. I like the fact that these can be installed in the stock distributor. I converted to 50 to 12 volts when I rewired the car using as always a EZ Wiring harness. This is just my opinon as I do not own stock in the company, I just like using a product that works.
Thanks riskybiz. I think I am still going to the pertronix. So just so I have this straight in my mind. On the 1 ire alt, I need a 4g wire from the big terminal to the positive battery terminal or the battery side of the solenoid. What do I need to hook up that was on the generator? Just the ground to one of the alternator case bolts?
The Jalopy Journal
