I've tried searching but came up empty. I seem to recall a thread about what has to be done to run 6 volt lights on a 12 volt system. The reason I ask is I have a pair of 6 V fog lights with good bulbs I would like to use for now instead of buying a set of 12 V bulbs.
You can run a rersistor or a transformer. its a 20 dollar cure for a 10 cent problem. The thing to remember is a + or - 10% rule. You can be plus or minus 10% of the rated value of the bulb, you are better off to be +10% as a bulb running lower voltage will run hotter than intended and not last as long. Basically you are trying to hit 5.4 volts to 6.6 volts, you don't have top hit exactly 6V. or you could bit the bullet and buy 12 volt bulbs and sell your 6 volt bulbs to someone that needs 6V.
I've thought about that but with the budget being thin lately I wanted to see if this would be a better option. Thanks guys. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Running them in series will be the only lo-buck solution. You could use resistors in series with each lamp but you'll have to figure out the resistance of the lamps when energized; it's about 2/3 less when the lamp is 'cold'. And you'll need resistors with a watt rating equal to or higher than the lamps. You'll also need to double the wire size and the amp rating on the switch compared to a 12V lamp, so it may not save you any money. If you use resistors, you need to quadruple the wire and switch sizes.
what about for gauges, converting a 6 volt system to a 12 volt, getting the right resistors wired up inline between power source and gauges will do the trick? i.e. fuel gauge etc ?
You should be able to use a Runtz (or build your own). Do a search on Runtz and see what comes up. This is in reply to the last post before mine, not the OP
As John Brown stated above just run them in series.It doesn't cost anything and it will do the job. How much easier can it get?
Thanks guy's. Unless I can squeeze some spare cash somewhere running them in series is what I'll do for now. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Here are some part # for Ford voltage gauge regulators. Ford used 6 volt gauges thur 1978 on some models. C9AZ-10804A, D1AZ-10804A
Have you actually looked into 12 V bulbs that will fit those housings? You might find out that the new bulbs will cost less than screwing around trying to make the 6v work on 12 V. If you have an old mom and pop auto parts store or Western Auto or Coast to Coast in town they might have the 12 V bulbs stuck in on a back shelf.
I agree the solution to convert 12v down to 6v may be more expense than just getting 12v bulbs. Only low-buck way is to run in series, but then you still have to isolate the housing from grounding through the mount.
In years past (more than I care to think about) we put a sheet metal screw in the strap between the 2 middle cells of a 12v battery. That gives a 6v supply. Don't know if that is possible now.
Um, yeah, good luck with that. Those VRs are actually slow flashers, which AVERAGE the voltage to about 6v from 12v. The Ford gauges are also slow-acting which allows the whole setup to work. So leave them where they are, as they will NOT work for this application. Cosmo
I wish there was a mom and pop auto parts place around here. So far the cheapest 12 V bulbs I've found were $25 a piece. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
If you have an old 6v headlight bulb it would probably be enough of a resistor to put in series with the feed to the other lights. You'll just have to paint the face of it to keep it from being too obvious.
Harry,the boss lady told me she saw on FB that you had the lights installed and working,,how about a photo. HRP
You were looking over her shoulder again weren't ya. Yea I finally got them mounted up. I also found a place online that had 12 V bulbs cheap. Here ya go. BTW I have two good 6 V amber bulbs if you know any one needing a pair.
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