I installed a 55 Ford regulator in my 51. Using a 12 volt battery and it turned over real easy. I ran the battery down and when I had it charging, the coil started to boil and smoke. I did forget to polarize the regulator when I swapped out the battery. Would this have done it? Or should I have switched over to a 12 volt coil?
Should have switched to a 12 volt coil. A 55 Ford regulator is 6 volt. You can't mix all that stuff and expect it to work. Either stay all 6 volt or switch everything to 12 volt. For the switch to 12 volt you need; 12 volt battery, generator or alternator, if generator you need a 12 volt regulator, 12 volt coil, 12 volt bulbs, voltage drop for the gages, heater fan, and radio. The stater and horn will work on 12 volt.
If you're using a 12 volt battery you'll need a 12 volt regulator, generator or alternator & a 12 volt coil.
Was told by someone on here that a 55 Ford had 8 volt regulator as it was a transition year and the 12 volt battery would work as long as the regulator was changed.......So much for that advice....Hope I didn't toss the old regulator.....
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