Hello, I have to change my ford 54 in 12V. Can you help me to tell me what are the parts that I've to change ? It exist a complete kit to do it ? I've a new 6V wire kit, It's OK with 12V ? (I hope ) Thanks in advance !
6 volt wires are actually heavier than 12 volt so you are good there no problem.Here is an excellent guide to help you:http://www.ebay.com/gds/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford-/10000000001571127/g.html
Leave your 6v starter in. It'll work fine. It'll spin faster, but you won't have any problems. Your gauges will need a little voltage regulator. You can pick up the components from your local Tandy store. Do you have Jaycar over there. They're like Tandy, only better. A little regulator will only cost you coffee money. I think there's an article on the HAMB somewhere about building a 12V to 6V regulator. Only other things you need to do is change your coil & globes to 12V & throw in a 12V generator, or alternator . if you're not fussed about it looking original use an alternator, you won't need cut outs and regulators as it's all part of the alternator. Simple two wire working. All negative to earth of course. (And nothing is gunna work backwards).
If you have the 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive you should at least replace the overdrive relay with the 12v version. You should also consider replacing the solenoid with the 12v version. The solenoid operates more on amperage than voltage since it's an electromagnet; a 6v solenoid wants twice the amperage a 12v system can supply. A 6v solenoid operating on 12v amperage will run hot and eventually fail.
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