Super M 12v conversion

[Mark Poss]

I am looking to convert a super M to 12 volt. I am having the generator converted to 12 volt to keep it original looking. Do I need a 12v coil with internal resistor? I have seen 6 volt coils used with resistors but I think it looks cleaner with the 12 volt coil. I have a 12 volt voltage regulator and battery. Is there anything else I need for the conversion? Also if someone could give me wiring instructions I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time, Mark

 

[old]

I am looking to convert a super M to 12 volt. I am having the generator converted to 12 volt to keep it original looking. Do I need a 12v coil with internal resistor? I have seen 6 volt coils used with resistors but I think it looks cleaner with the 12 volt coil. I have a 12 volt voltage regulator and battery. Is there anything else I need for the conversion? Also if someone could give me wiring instructions I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time, Mark

You can keep your 6 volt coil and add a ballast resister of go with a TRUE 12 volt coil that will say on it no external resister needed

 

[Charlie M]

You need a 12 volt regulator. I would get a 12 volt coil labeled as no external resistor needed. I have some conversions with 6 volt coils and a resistor and sooner or later the resistor will go bad, usually when you need the tractor. You can set up the system and keep the positive ground that was used on the 6 volt system and not need to reverse wiring. If you have lights you also need 12 volt bulbs. I've got two tractors with 12 volt generators so same as you want to do, keep them looking more original.

 

[DR. EVIL]

Dad installed 12V Delco 10SI alternators on both his tractors, first was his 1951 Farmall M he ordered and took delivery of on 12-24-1951 and it first refused to start on 12-25-1951, was below zero that morning. But it now starts first time every time with a BIG 12V battery charged by a big 12 Volt Delco 10SI alternator.
Used to be a company called Charlie's Automotive Electrical that specialized in alternator installation kits on old farm tractors with 6V generators, he supplied ALL parts needed plus complete instructions. Everything In one box, one invoice, and complete instructions along with his phone number if you have any questions.
My '54 Super H started better than the '51 M by a lot, but it got converted to a 12V alternator too. I did have the starter rebuilt, a $140 rebuild, at FONDY AUTO ELECTRIC in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, they advertise in RED POWER, I highly recommend them. When I reinstalled the starter and hit the button it spun over so fast it scared me! I also use the biggest 12V battery I can find to get these old girls going. The SH has a block heater, and probably will have a new BIGGER higher wattage heater on it sometime this winter.
Some of Dad's wiring on his '51 M was WAY too small to crank the 264 cid higher Compression engine with live hydraulic and power steering, all the replacement wiring is out in the shop waiting for a free day to install.

I don't really understand the problem with the alternator on FARMALL M's & H's, they mount WAY UP where the generator originally was and are completely hidden by the hood. And if you cut up the right front part of your hood someone should take your tractor away from you. The DELCO 10SI fits and there's many imported car & truck alternators that are even smaller and easily fit with NO butchering of sheet metal. I've seen some REAL TERRIBLE cobbling of the hoods on some H's & M's.

My Super H clears my LARGE concrete slab and driveway where I push snow across the road, the County highway dept don't really clean around my mailbox well at all, I have chased my mailbox 12 rows of endrows into the cornfield before, and about every 5-6 years they get to replace my mailbox and post. Dad sold the Continental post hole digger that went on the SH several years ago, I don't think it would like digging into frozen ground anyhow.