Hello What do I have to change if I would like to get 12v ? A complet list should be help me ! Thanks, Rémi
Try this,www.Google.com, put 6 to 12 volts in the search box,the second box down is a link to ebay guides ('55 Ford) click on it there is excellent info there and should answer almost all your questions.
I believe there is a few different posts on the main board about it but here are some things you will need off hand . First can I ask why you want to change to 12v ? That was a good system except for night time driving ! 12v battery , Alt or 12v generator , 12v voltage regulator , 12v coil , all the lights in the dash , interior , headlights and taillights need to be replaced , brake light switch ,the heater blower motor if you have one -1957 heater motors will work , disconnect your radio that is 6v . Your heater switch needs to be replaced too but the voltage reducer might work . Your gas gauge sending unit is 6v also so that needs to be replaced . These are the things that come to mind off hand . You will NOT have to change your starter ! The 6v starters LOVE those 12v ! You can get a voltage adapter for your radio so you can still use it . Ron France has them but costly but you can find them on Ebay . Radio Shack will also have one I think . The wiring in the car will be fine also . Hope this helps you get started ! It really isn't that bad to do but a little costly .
The blower switch will overheat if used a lot . This is what I was told and read . If yours works fine then OK . I replaced my brake switch because the previous owner installed a duel GM master cylinder and didn't install a brake light switch ! That was what I was thing of . Forgot about them being the pressure switch . Jim
Wouldn't you need a ballist resistor to cut the voltage to the points? If you don't, I believe you'll burn up the points. I've done that conversion about 45 yrs. ago, and if my memory serves me correctly. I burnt points up rather quickly until I added a resistor. Larry
I did the conversion on my 54 - blower switch is ok on 12 volts. You will need an ignition resister or buy a coil that the resisitor is already in it. All other switches ok on 12 volts. Remember, its not the volts but the amperage that really counts as far as usage. A 12 volt system uses less amperage than a six volt system. That is why the wire is thinner on a 12v car.
Thanks ! I'm not sure to change it, but I think... I would like to rebuilt my Electricity and to put a radio on my cars. But it's verry expensive to change all and the solution is perhaps to keep the 6V but to find an 6V radio. (no mp3 but not so expensive) ?
Well, it's a reason manufatcurers of cars went 12v during the 50's and 60's. It is not sovulnerable to low voltage. A 12V alternator with integrated regulator makes things very reliable (in France it would be smart to go for a Bosch witch have a regulator with the brushes on). It will also be easier to connect other things to your car, such as things you connect to your lighter outlet (cell phone chargers, coolers etc)... Stereo is another thing, so is air-ride...
If you only need 12v for maybe a radio , why not just get a 12v battery and just use that for the radio ? I have seen that done many times so you don't have to change everything to 12v . You can get a 12v battery that are very small and easy to hide to run a radio . Then when the 12v battery starts to get low , just recharge it up . The battery should last a good bit of time before a recharge is necessary . This way you have the best of both worlds in your car and not a lot of money . Jim
So if one were to use one of the OEM Ford voltage regulators or similar 12v-6v reducer, would you have to change the fuel level sender to a 12v? The wiring diagram seems to indicate the sender is connected to the gauge after being reduced to 6v, so I'm guessing it should work with the original 6v sender? Here's the example diagram I found, but not sure if it's the same for a 54 Ford...
You are correct, that is the way my '55 Ranchwagon is wired. Stock Gauge and Sender as is the Temperature. '55 dash just has an idiot light for oil, I installed a mechanical SW gauge.
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