6V to 12V conversion

[James Glendening]

I have a friend who is looking to get his WD converted over to 12V. It is currently not running and is a 6V system with a magneto. My 53 had that setup but I had pulled my complete electrical system off the dead 49 I have including the distributor and it worked great.
My question is what is the best source for low cost conversion equipment. My friend is on a budget and the idea of sinking $400.00+ for parts didn't appeal to him.

 

[steve(ill)]

you can get an alternator with internal voltage regulator at Auto Zone for probably $80. or less. YOu can get one on e-bay or junk yard for $20. Get the older Delco 10SI from a 1975-90 Chevy vehicle. You need a couple wires to make it work, no real problem. THe starter dont care if it is 12 volt. THe mag has not power so it dont care. The battery will need to be 12 volt and ground the negative side instead of the positive. You can do this for $150 easy, and half that if you try hard. Get some parts and if you need a wireing diagram, post your e-mail of send me a note.

 

[John T]

If he insists on a 12 volt conversion its not all that expensive ESPECIALLY if he has a good magneto which requires NO CHANGE (its NOT dependant on or uses any battery)

Id opt for the GM Delco 10SI family of alternators (30 to $90 depends on if new or used or junk yard or rebuilt etc)

Change any lights to 12 volts

If not already swap to Negative ground and buy a 12 volt battery

If it has an ammeter and if it was wired for Pos ground simply swap leads so it dont read bass ackwards

Leave starter as is

A new battery and new or used alternator plus minor wiring modifications and lights sure sounds wayyyyyyyyyy less then any $400

Best wishes

John T

 

[steve(ill)]

like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__Alternator-P7127M3-79-1980-1981-1982-1983-Buick-Regal_W0QQitemZ310115253081QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadiZ2865QQddiZ2811QQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item310115253081&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
click here

 

[Rod (NH)]

<a href="http://www.worldpath.net/~thompson/acb/alternator/alternator.htm">Here's</a> how I converted my B. Not that expensive at all.

Rod

 

[Jeff Z.]

Send me an email

[email protected]

 

[Normspeed]

Rod, thanks for that link. Very nice stuff. I've kept my old car 6V + ground with no problems at all but my WC came with virtually no wiring left intact and since it's a fun project and not a full restoral, I'm going with 12 volt. Does start easy with the crank though.