6v to 12v swap

6v to 12v swap

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By LuciFord - 8 Years Ago

Thinking about doing a 12v swap in my 55' ford. Does anyone have a write up about it anywhere? I can't seem to find info about it. Everyone just says "it's easy, you gotta do it!" And that's about it. Or gets way too technical with no just straight answers. I swapped my old 66' scruby years ago and a couple others but it's been so long I can't remember.

By Dave5564 - 8 Years Ago

Why not just go to a 8 volt battery? Lots of starting power, brighter light, horn is louder and your radio still works fine.

By Meandean - 8 Years Ago

http://www.ebay.com/gds/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford-/10000000001571127/g.html

By Lou - 8 Years Ago

Other than cutting the value of your car by 40%, what do you expect the 12 volt conversion to do?

By Dobie - 8 Years Ago

Dave5564 (7/31/2017)

Why not just go to a 8 volt battery? Lots of starting power, brighter light, horn is louder and your radio still works fine.

A 6v generator will not keep an 8v battery charged but it will die trying. Been there done that, got the T shirt. Sure, you can top it up with a 12v charger if you can put enough resistance between the charger and battery to get it down to around 10v. Much easier in the long run and less frustrating to keep the 6v system or convert to 12v. There are books on how to do it, 5th Avenue Antique Auto sells one, but it really isn't magic. Get a 12v generator or have yours converted by an auto electrical shop, or use an alternator (better choice, IMO). If you stay with a generator you will need a 12v regulator. You will also need to polarize the generator. The polarizing procedure for the generator is to have the wire on the F term of the generator disconnected, and to run a wire from the + term of the battery and touch the F term on the generator to get a spark. That should be your final step in the process. Swap the battery cables so that you have negative ground, change all bulbs to their 12v equivalents and Bob's your uncle. Your radio may or may not be polarity sensitive, some are and I forget which ones. If you have OD best to get a 12v solenoid, the 6v one may or may not last long on 12v depending on its condition. Your starter does not need to be converted. The bendix will hit harder on 12v but it's not really an issue unless you drive the car daily. You will need a 12v starter solenoid and horn relay. You will also need a CVR (cluster voltage regulator) for your instruments. One for a mid 60s Ford product is what you want. Auto parts stores have 'em or can get 'em. You only need 1 CVR to cover all the instruments except the ammeter. The ammeter isn't voltage sensitive but you will need to reverse the direction the wire runs through the loop on the back so it indicates correctly. That's about it. 12v will open you up to a world of easier to find parts not to mention modern accessories if you're so inclined. None of the switches are voltage sensitive but if your ign switch is original you may want to replace it.

By paul2748 - 8 Years Ago

Google 6 to 12 volt conversion. Lots of write ups are shown.

Going to 12 volts is the better thing to do.. Once you do it you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Only real problem is the radio as far as I know. If your wires are in good condition, you don't even have to change them, but if they are original wires your on thin ground after over 60 years.

8 volt battery is not the way to go. Some have done it successfully, but you will have the problems mentioned above.

By Lou - 8 Years Ago

Paul, please explain why a 12 volt conversion is the "better thing to do"
FYI ...6 volt Radio is no problem, just put a resistor in the line.
In 50 years of playing with old cars I found that almost every 6 volt car that was hard starting needed new brushes put in the starter.

By Florida_Phil - 8 Years Ago

I'm new to this forum, but I'm wrestling with this issue right now. My '55 Bird is totally original and untouched. I would like the advantages of 12 volts, but I'm concerned about reducing it's value. My radio, clock, OD and generator work just like Ford built it. I'm removing the Load-A-Matic distributor and swapping in a '57 distributor with points. The heads will be swapped for '57 parts along with the manifold and carb. I think it will work just fine with 6 volts. I'll keep all the parts for the next owner in case he wants to see a Tea Pot under the hood, I don't. I guess it comes down to how you are going to use the car. My car will only be driven on weekends, to car shows or lunch once in a while. If I was building a daily driver, I could see a 12 volt conversion.

By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago

Florida_Phil (8/1/2017)

Anything that You do as far as changing to 12 Volts or later Distributor/Carb is not a permanent non reversible modification. Keep all the Parts You change in a Box and if You go to sell the Car You can either spend a Weekend changing it back or supply the Parts with the Car. Its Your Car to drive and enjoy. As far as I am concerned these Mods make it more reliable and driveable.

By DANIEL TINDER - 8 Years Ago

Unless you HAVE to install a lot of modern electronic accessories (?), heavy gauge battery cables (with clean connections), an Optima 6V battery (and matching-type trickle charger), and a fresh (high-torque rebuilt is best) starter is all you will need for reliable starting if the motor is kept properly tuned/setup. A lot less trouble & expense than 12V conversion. If you are one of the few who have the tools & expertise to properly adjust the regulator, you could probably get by without a charger. I can even use my 12V GPS & phone charger with a simple home-built converter/transformer that plugs into the lighter socket.

By charliemccraney - 8 Years Ago

Chargers for most modern devices are USB based, which is spec'd for 5v. As long as input voltage is high enough it should work.

By mrmike - 8 Years Ago

I converted my Merc long ago to 12 volts & never looked back. It is no trouble at all ! It is better in all respects & my starter has been no trouble all these years, And it is very easy. Like others stated start with a 12v generator or better yet go to an 12v alternator. One thing that didn't come up is your Heater Blower motor. You need to change that to a 12v one also, but they are readily available on Ebay from 56's & later. Oh, and the expense is minimal $200 to $400 including headlights and worth every penny... Do it !!
..

By paul2748 - 8 Years Ago

Just curious - you say you don't want to reduce it's value by modifying your Thunderbird, yet you have already have plans to highly modify it by going to later parts. Changing to 12 volts is probably less of a modification than what you have plans for.

If you are going to use the Bird, going to 12 volts will make it a more streetable car. Ask the guys that have stayed with 6 volts and couldn't start their car when it's hot.

But it''s your car to do as you please with.

Florida_Phil (8/1/2017)

By Dave5564 - 8 Years Ago

Not sure where you got the idea that a generator will not keep a 8 volt battery charged. Adjust the voltage regulator will work just fine.Just put a new engine in my 55 ford and rebuilt the original generator. Have run a 8 volt for 35 years with no problems.

By DANIEL TINDER - 8 Years Ago

Ask the guys back in the early/mid fifties (who bought their cars new) if THEY ever had trouble starting a hot engine. THEY didn't yet have: aged lead acid battery/undersized replacement cables/worn out starter brushes/leaky carb (overdue for rebuilding) that floods when hot/worn out ignition points & corroded electrical ground contacts/etc.,etc.

I will admit though, my aftermarket 6V electric fuel pump saves wear & tear on the starter & battery. One advantage of faster 12V cranking is likely also the quick pressurization of the oil pump & bearings. While compression only may not be quite so hard on a dry crankshaft, priming the Holley teapot before starting is likely something guys back in the 50s would really have appreciated!

By alanfreeman - 3 Years Ago

I am with Lou and Daniel. If you are not adding a lot of modern equipment to your car which would require 12 volts, I see no need to do the conversion. My three '54 Fords and my '54 Mercury are all 6 volts and I have no problem with starting even when the engines are hot. In fact, my Ford Convertible has original power windows and power seat and both operate just as quickly on 6 volts as the windows and seats in my new Lincoln SUV on 12 volts. Many times, owners switching to 12 volts are doing nothing more than putting a "band aid" on electrical problems they are having with 6 volt cars caused by 60+ year old wiring, poor grounds, undersized battery/ starter cables, poor generator/starter performance, etc. A properly maintained original 6 volt car with good wiring and electrical equipment will perform just as well as a 12 volt car. And by the way, I have had a "teapot" carb on my Ford convertible for the last 35 years and never had a problem although I know their reputation as "flame throwers"! Alan

By FORD DEARBORN - 3 Years Ago

I for one, couldn't agree with you more. If it worked good once, then it can work good again if ALL is up to top specs. Finding folks who can properly rebuild components and finding parts that meet OEM quality can be a challenge but possible. As stated above, adding modern accessories can be a game changer I am old enough to add: I remember very well the brand new 54 Ford convertible my Dad purchased in the day. I don't ever remember that car letting him/us down on any cold Michigan winter morning or for that matter, overheating issues either.

By 312YBlock - 3 Years Ago

How do I love 12volts, let me count the ways, LED headlights, AM/FM radio, AC, hi-torque starter, MSD 6A/E-Spark ignition, USB charger cigarette lighter plug in also for GPS, horns other drivers can hear, easy starts. As far as value goes the average buyer in today’s market wants all of the above and doesn’t know a starter from a stopper 😊; then there are those of us for whom originality means everything. Perception is what makes the difference, the heart ❤️ wants what the heart wants. Gentlemen start your engines 🚙.

By DANIEL TINDER - 3 Years Ago

LED headlights? I AM jealous! (lots of deer around here). AC? My hardtop sits in the garage all summer. My dual-point Loadomatic is ultra reliable, and my 6V starter (oversized cables) cranks right up every time (Optima battery). An inverter/transformer powers my FM radio conversion, and another under the dash charges my cell phone & iPod. GPS? I’ll have to admit, my maps wouldn’t be any help without reading glasses, but I DO carry a compass also. Value? Those of us who never plan to sell could likely care less (aside from updating the insurance). Common knowledge you’ll never get back the $ spent maintaining/restoring anyway.
BTW: The vintage guitar I sold 25 yrs. ago to buy my Bird is now worth 10 times as much, but the car’s value has hardly doubled (not the best investment I ever made). Originality? My 1955 ‘time machine’ is a driver (100K mi. since purchased), and rides on radial tires, so SOME concessions are unavoidable (orig. jack in the trunk has never been used). Side-of-the-road tire changing is a part of 50s life I DON’T want to revisit!

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

If Ford thought 6v was good enough, why did Ford go to 12v in 56?

When I converted my dad's 55 Tbird to 12v, he said it never started as well; that's why I converted it to 12v. Personally, I prefer "better" to "good enough." For the Amish, a horse and buggy is "good enough."

By pintoplumber - 3 Years Ago

The story I heard was Ford saved $4.00 a car on smaller gauge wire.

By 312YBlock - 3 Years Ago

And the beat goes on 🤣

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

And I "heard" Ford paid $4 more for 12v batteries.

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

My dad said that he had experienced difficulty starting his 55 Tbird/w original 6v system, particularly after the engine had been running for a while. For that reason, and after he read Gil Baumgartner's (CTCI-Gil's Garage) instructions for converting to 12v, he asked me to convert his car to 12v. When converting to 12v, I followed Gil's instructions to the letter, changing only those components necessary for the conversion. I did not adjust the carburetor; I did not adjust the timing; and I did not adjust the valves. In other words, other than converting to 12v, the engine was left untouched. After the 12v conversion, my dad never complained about hard starting again.

My dad passed away in 2011. His 55 Tbird is now mine. Although I kept all of the 6v components I had removed, with the exception of the battery, I will never go back to 6v. However, if I ever sell the car, the 6v components will be included in the sale.

By 312YBlock - 3 Years Ago

One more 12V bennie ELECTRIC CHOKE 🚙

By alanfreeman - 3 Years Ago

I have an electric choke on the more modern Holley carburetor on the 292 engine (which I dressed up to look like the original 256) in my '54 Mercury convertible and the choke works just fine on 6 volts. Alan

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

Does anyone want to convert their 12v system to 6v?

By Florida_Phil - 3 Years Ago

Does anyone want to convert their 12v system to 6v?

Not a chance. A 12 volt conversion has been the best upgrade my TBird has ever had. I am old enough to remember when keeping a jug of water in the trunk was standard operating procedure. I run an electric fan to keep my car from overheating. My old 6 volt generator is sitting in a box in my garage with an alternator keeping my battery fully charged. I still have the 6 volt starter in my car and it starts first time every time and my headlights are brighter than two candles in the dark. How improving a car can be a negative is beyond me?

By DryLakesRacer - 3 Years Ago

Phil I’ll never understand either. Unless I have a perfect 100 pt show car I only trailer to purest shows and judging I don’t get it. These cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed just like when they were new and to make them safer and better can only be a plus for the masses. Most “spectators” like these Fords look and for 75% or more of us keep them stock appearing for the most part with minor changes and get great compliments. I like my stock appearing radio with AM-FM-Bluetooth, disc brakes and other upgrades parts.

By DANIEL TINDER - 3 Years Ago

55blacktie (1/31/2022)

Does anyone want to convert their 12v system to 6v?

Likely only those who have inherited a car full of ‘band-aid’ fixes, and care about history.
Sure, when it comes to safety issues, no one want to take unnecessary risks. But, where do we draw the line? Should we all rip out our steering columns and install modern collapsible units with airbags? Phill needs an electric fan. Was that the traditional remedy for a car that overheats? If I remember correctly (?), Henry was a proponent of positive ground electrical systems. Of course, he was just a senile old man (who only happened to have put the country on wheels), and when GM went 12V/neg grd., by then his ‘know-it-all’ grandson was running things. But then, Henry wanted to keep making the model T. (which by now, would likely cost less than the gas needed to fill my expensive SUV😁). Just saying. Everything in perspective. The big $ spent now at vintage car auctions are for ‘resto-mods” (likely none that still have Y-Block engines). That’s the way to go if you want a car that only looks vintage, but has all the conveniences & reliability of modern vehicles. 12V conversion offers many advantages (electronic ignition/sophisticated stereo systems/computerized fuel injection/etc.,etc.). I just happen to think it shouldn’t be the ‘knee-jerk’ fix for everyone who acquires an old car that was improperly maintained. Kids in the 50s seldom kept their cars stock, and along with mag wheels, body customizing, speed equipment, etc., a 12V conversion would have probably been in order, ‘I’ have blue-dot taillights, an aftermarket dual-point mod. & glasspacks, so I’m no purist. I wouldn’t go back to bias tires, wet batteries, or non-detergent motor oil for the sake of ‘originality’ either. Some people just get satisfaction from making old things work as designed, and want others to know that it’s still quite possible. It may be more work than the ‘band-aid’ (I AM sick of rebuilding generators), but possibly rewarding nonetheless.

By Florida_Phil - 3 Years Ago

DANIEL TINDER (2/1/2022)

55blacktie (1/31/2022)

Does anyone want to convert their 12v system to 6v?

I get what you're saying. I have an old fishing lure collection. When I buy an antique lure, I don't want one that's been painted or with new hooks, I want one that's exactly the same as it was in 1930. It all depends on what you want. On the other hand, I'm not fishing with a 90 year old fishing lure. It would reduce it's value and I probably would lose any fish that bit it. I'm driving my 55 Tbird on today's roads, so I modified my car to make it safer and easier to live with.

I am not a fan of so called resto-mods. I hate to see people cut up a good car to turn it into something that looks old but isn't, where there is nothing left of the original car but the hood ornament. I just got done watching Barret Jackson where people spend $250K or more for a old car that's not an old car that someone else built. If I built it myself, I could be proud of my workmanship. If I bought it off a stage, where is the pride in that? My bet is most of the folks who buy those cars couldn't change the oil in my TBird. Obviously there are people who feel differently. I remember when the car hobby was for greasy car guys, not a bunch of check writers with manicured finger nails.

By DryLakesRacer - 3 Years Ago

These $250k resto-things just move collection to collection. We will see them back in 2-3 years with the current caretaker looking for a profit. BJ does the calling and gets them back on stage. Freshest ones bring the most bucks. I look to the first few auction days for our years T-birds and Fairlanes. Some are nice and in line with current pricing. Some are not and you can tell. Amos Mintor “E and F’s” are Saturday cars and aren’t ever driven.

Whether it was dictated by the era or not I’m glad I own a 56 and not a 55 so I don’t have the voltage or positive grounding system decisions to worry about.

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

As far as electrical systems are concerned, "Ford [had] a better idea," in 56.

By DANIEL TINDER - 3 Years Ago

Phil,
Just curious. Do new lures catch more fish than old ones (I don’t fish)? If I did, and had an antique lure, I would likely want to try it out. (funny how our preferences seem strangely inverted).

By 55blacktie - 3 Years Ago

Unless that antique lure was made before 1930, wouldn't it have looked new in 1930?

During the first 12 years of marriage, my wife and I rented an 1896 Victorian farm house. We furnished it with numerous antique collectibles and furniture, include a Singer treadle sewing machine and oak armoire. My grandmother came to visit one day. She looked around and then discretely said to my wife, "Some day, Jeff will have a good job, and you'll be able to buy new things."