Ok guys I’m use to bagging newer trucks and cars but not too farmiliar with these older cars. I️ bought a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain with my Dad and Grandpa and I️ am looking for some advice on if it’s worth converting to 12 volt or not. Right now the generator on the car is shot. Would it be better to replace and keep it 6 volt or convert to an altinator and to 12 volt? Also what would need to be done to complete this conversion or does anyone have a link to where I️ can do some more reading up on this? Thanks in advance for the help!
Also does anyone have any opinions on this company here with switching to a 6 volt alt? http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/Generator to Alternator Conversion Guide.htm
It's easier to find a 12v battery if you have problems in the future, and easier to find someone to give you a jump start. You'd need to change the light bulbs, and the original radio, if it works, won't work on 12v. The original 6v starter will work on 12v, just don't crank it too long. The heater motor mightl act up. The gas gauge can be fixed with a voltage regulator, "runtz" type. If it has an electric temp gage, that too. It's pretty common to replace the generator with a 12v alternator, with a built in voltage regulator, such as used in GM cars from the mid 70s to the late 80s. The wiring is not too difficult, and the mounting will probably take a little fabricating.
Depends on how stubborn you are. If it were mine I wouldn't change it back to a 6 volt system if it had been modified, but if it had a 6 volt system I'd want to make it work right. From what I've read by owners on lots of forums they work fine with good 00 gauge cables and a big ass battery.
I have changed lots of cars to 12 volt. Things to change: battery, headlight bulbs, turn signal, tail light dash light dome light bulbs, coil, generator to alternator. Starter, horn and clock will all run on 12 volts just fine. Get rid of the ammeter, the alternator will put out way more amps then the gauge will measure and may fry it. Replace it with a volt meter. Get runtz voltage reducers for the gas gauge and separate ones for any other gauges that are not mechanical. Most of the time I have replaced the heater blower motor with a `12 volt one of the same size. The radio will need it's own bigger voltage reducer, check the net, a runtz one is too small the carry the load of the radio. Wiring diagrams are all over the net for reference. Good luck.
Always look closely at the wiring in those mid-'50s & earlier cars for decay and loss of insulation. Some have been worn, butchered, or burnt to the point both 6 or 12 volts will be constant trouble. If your harness is in good repairable shape, '53 up Olds, Cad, or big Buick gen. & reg. are bolt-in 12v, as are '55 up Chev & Pontiac. None of these require any modification. I agree with Truck, having repaired 6 volt cars & trucks for many years ... you just have to understand how to repair, not just replace.
Just keep the 6V - if the generator has crapped out then get a 6V alternator and run with it - 6V systems are fine.
This is a really good check list the majority will apply to your Pontiac as well. http://www.ebay.com/gds/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford-/10000000001571127/g.html
I know this is an old thread but it addresses a lot of my questions about converting from 6 to 12 volts in my 50 Pontiac. I need a new generator anyway as my old one is not rebuildable. So, now would be the time to convert. If I decide to stay with the 6 volt system what options for radios are out there?
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