VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 6 Volt to !2 Volt Conversion

Looking for pros and cons of converting from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system on my 49 chevy. I have seen some conversion kits which use a alternator, which doesn't appeal to me. If I do convert I would like to use a generator.

There are no real Pros to going to 12 volt, but there's a lot of expense and unexpected (undesireable) side-effects. It is far, far easier to make everything up to snuff on the original 6 volt set -up, and it will work just fine, just as it did when the car was new.

Please do not convert to 12 volts. There are only two reasons to go to 12 volts. 1) adding air conditioning or 2) using a CB radio or modern sound system. Number 1 is a major modification of the vehicle which most of us would not consider. Number 2 is easily handled by installing a 12 volt battery hidden under the seat or the dash.

I have several 6-volt cars and never had a problem with them. Just use the right size cable on the battery and keep them clean.

I would NEVER install a battery under the seat or under the dash or in the trunk.

Batteries do "vent", not something you want to mix with passengers.

To the original poster .......Why do you want to convert to 12 volts ?

Many folks who have NOT owned 6 volt vehicles simply believe 12 volt, being more modern, is just the way to go.

A properly maintained 6 volt system will work just fine.

My 67 year old 1951 Chevy operates fine, on its 6 volt system.

I disagree that there is a lot of expense and unexpected (undesirable) side-effects with 12 volt conversation.

That being said, if you are convinced that you MUST convert to 12 volts, click on the info shown in this link below, shown for a '54 Chevy ....... just substitute a 12 volt generator in place of the suggested alternator..

No need to buy a 12 volt conversion kit, when you can buy what you need yourself.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/miscellaneous/5412volt.htm

I wouldn’t buy a conversion kit. It is much cheaper to source the parts yourself. I prefer an alternator to a generator, but that’s your choice. An alternator doesn’t look as good though it does provide better charging so it’s a trade off. I converted to 12V. It’s a 12V world. Modern accessories are 12V and electrical parts are available everywhere. I had the original radio rebuilt to 12V am/fm/aux since we use the car to watch movies at the drive in (you need an fm radio for the sound). I also switched to a Pertronix ignition and installed a 12V pusher fan because my car gets hot if it idles for long periods in the summer. These aren’t rare high dollar cars. It isn’t sacrilege to convert to 12V. Aside from the alternator and fan every modification I have made looks either original or period correct. That is how I enjoy my car and this hobby. Enjoy it however you prefer and don’t worry what others think. The car can be converted back to 6V if the next guy wants it that way.

I should have specified "a small sealed 12 volt battery" that you can charge out of the vehicle before and after the trip. I did this when CB radios were used extensively on tours. Cell phones have pretty much replaced CB radios.

You will want to do more then just replace the bulb in the radio. You will either have to convert the radio install an after market one or reduce the voltage by half using a 12 volt system as it's a 6 volt radio. You'll fry it on 12 volts

II am replying, looks like you were addressing me.

n the link I included above, the parts list includes reducers ........ and in the conversion steps, the step for adding the reducers are included

All, I would like to thank each one of you for your thoughtful input on my questions to convert or not to convert. You have all given me valuable advice both pro and con. One more question would be where can a purchase a really good 6 volt battery? The last one I purchased was at NAPA and is so, so.

I've always been happy with Interstate batteries. They usually last around 7 years in my old trucks.

Cheers, Dean

I have purchased two Optima 6 volt batteries. Got 10 years out of the first one before I sold the car last year. The second was purchased in 2011 and still starts the car every time I want it to.

I purchase my 6 volt batteries from TRACTOR SUPPLY, a local farm implement store in our area.

The batteries are inexpensive, good CCA, plus the same store handles the heavy duty 2 / 0 or 1 / 0 battery cables.

I also get my 6V batteries from Tractor Supply. Most last 5+ years with not the best conditions. I move them from vehicle to vehicle and try to keep them charged but it does not always get done. I have two maintainers but haven't used them yet. Maybe I would get better service if I did.

I have used tractor supply batteries with no problems and good service. The last few years I have used Fleet Farm batteries with very good service. I do use a battery maintainer on all of my old car batteries, I just replaced one from 2008, I have 2 more, one from 2011 and one from 2012 that are still going strong. I am a believer in the battery maintainers!