Technical Help with 12v conversion

I have a 47 merc 8. I was told it has a 53' mercury v8. I want to get a 12v kit but need to know what pulley size to go with. The kit has either a 3/8 or 5/8 pulley. The belt on there now says 1/2 x 54. Which pulley should I get and which belt should I get? He is a pic of the engine. Thanks for any help.

 

Is the car's wiring in good condition? Why convert it to 12 volt?

Changing the thread title to 'flathead pulley and belt sizes' will answer your question more quickly.

 

All my flathead V8 cars are 6 volt with no problems.

Dave

 

cflchurch, Please post photos of your engine. Be sure to include the fan, the fan belts and water pumps mounted on the engine.
1952 and 53 Mercs used 3/8 in wide belts on a narrow pulley.
However, you may need to change the water pumps and fan belt set up if you
want to install it in a 47 Ford because the fan may cut into the top hoses. I found that to be a problem when I installed a 52-53 Ford or merc engine in my 40. Zip over to www.fordbarn.com and post your question. Lots of info. there.
Here's an example: 51 Merc v/8 into 40 ford - The Ford Barn
47 install would be the same as a 40.

 

Are you putting a 12V generator or a 12V alternator? The 5/8 pulley will allow you to use a "BX" industrial belt which would look more original, if that matters to you. A 56 ford generator would be a good choice for a 12V generator. Speedway used to sell the pulley for the wide belt. Good Luck













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I'm guessing it's for the alternator. On my 38 Lincoln flathead going the cheap route using a cheap alternator I couldn't get a pulley and ate up a belt trying to run it. My solution was to take a pulley and cut it in half then add washers between to widen it. Works great now. If you can't figure it out go with the larger as parts stores will have the narrow pulley and swapping large for small will be much easier than trying to find someone that has the larger pulley.

 

Thanks to everyone. I will post more pictures tonight with as much info as I can. The wiring thru the whole car is bad. I would prefer 12v going forward. I am very limited on what I am physically able to do so I want the car as worry free and reliable as possible.

 

Things to consider:
Gauges
Starter
Generator

 

Fuel pump as well.

Start with the basic what's needed to get the car running and build from there. It's much easier to work this way rather than everything at once. When you start put in more fuses than you think you will need.