6 volt to 12 volt

I have a 1951 chevy that I was given it has the original 6 im not sure of the size as I have not yet researched this engine, the valve covers bolt to the engine thru the top of the valve cover like a sbc centerbolt valve cover. my question is what all need to be done to upgrade to a 12 volt system?

 

Search the forum. There's a lot already written.

You have to decide if you want to keep the gauges stock, or go with new. If stock, then you can use a voltage drop resistor.

Basically, you want to get a GM one-wire alternator, to get rid of the mechanical voltage regulator. Replace the heater blower with a 12 volt motor. Get a 12 volt coil and 1.5 ohm ballast resistor for the ignition (or a petronix, and skip the ballast).

Change all the bulbs to 12 volts.

Don't wire the ammeter. You probably want a 65 amp or greater alternator to run all the modern conveniences, and a voltmeter is good enough (put it in the glove box). Make sure you use a maxi-fuse, or a fusable-link on the alternator output wire (14 guage link for a 10 guage wire).

 

I have had bad luck with the one wire when I used one on my 70 impala

 

OK, use the three wire then. I actually like that better, as I like the idiot light on the dash.