Help changing to 12-volt

Hey, I've got a 1939 Pontiac 2-door sedan, straight eight. I'm just starting to work on it so i can get it on the road. What is the easiest and best way to change the 6-volt system to a 12? I've heard several ways to do it, but what do you guys suggest? Thanks much

 

Luckily 39 cars don't need much. Forget the radio if it has one. Don't worry about the starter yet, but rebuild it if worn out. Forget about the heater fan for now, and the wipers if they are electric. Concentrate on getting it running first.

Get a coil and ballast resistor new. Don't screw around with junkyard stuff trying to save a buck, and working for weeks troubleshooting.

Get some 12 volt headlights, and replace all the bulbs with 12 volt bulbs (except the instrument lights).

Get a small GM 3-wire alternator (less than 100 amps). Get some #10 red wire and some #14 fusable link. Run the red wire from the alternator output to the starter/battery connection. Then run another red wire from there to the ignition switch (Batt Post). Put the fusable link near the alternator (crimp-on is ok). Remove the voltage regulator and coil, and throw it in the junk box.

From the Ignition switch run an orange #14 wire to one side of the ballast resistor that you have mounted to the firewall in a nice open space (they get hot, and you can use them for a defroster if you are handy) otherwise just let them cool in a nice open space. From the other end of the ballast run another #14 orange wire to the + side of the coil. Run the - side of the coil to the distributor.

Go to the boat store and get a couple 4 circuit fuse blocks. Run a #10 wire from the Batt post of the ignition switch to the main power lug of one block. Run a #10 wire from the ACC post of the ignition switch to the other block. Wire both circuits as appropriate (light switch, cigarette lighter, etc, etc).

Run a #10 wire from the start post of the ignition switch to the starter solenoid.

It's pretty simple, basic electricity.

There's a couple ways to run the instrument lights--either a voltage dropping resistor, or a 12 volt to 6 volt regulator. The later being more sophisticated. Find a 12 volt fan for the heater, or replace the heater with an aftermarket electric one.

 

Change to 12v coil, generator/alternator, all bulbs, not sure about the starter (Ford will work on 12v), heater motor, old radio probably not. Get a voltage reducer for the gauges and battery, of coarse.......................Wow you are fast lolife