VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum 6 to 12 volt conversion

I'm in the process of converting my 1935 Chevy Pickup to 12 volts, and need all the help I can get. My main concerns are the original gauges. Water and oil are mechanical and should be no problem, correct? Do I need to put a voltage reducer on the Amp Gauge, and do those things work? I'm going to install a new gas tank with a 12 volt sending unit. So, will a voltage reducer allow me to use my current gas gauge? Now the fuel pump debate; Should I try and use the mechanical pump, or install an electric? If electric, what PSI? This truck was my grandfather's, and has been in the family for 80 plus years, and I haven't started it in 20 years.

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

This might give you a idea of whats involved.

Try to get the truck running well first before changing anything. It likely has both fuel and electrical issues just from sitting and the passage of time so you need to work out all of these first and get the truck running well before you introduce further gremlins by changing electrical.

Once it's running well and properly, then you can look at making changes.

There is no advantage to convert from 6v to 12v unless you are making other changes that absolutely require 12v - like race ignition, stereos or lighting so depends on your future plans and usage. 6v systems work as well as 12v if your connections are good.

I agree with canadiantim, I try to make a point of only troubleshooting one issue at a time. You will never drive your truck in the harsh conditions it was ORIGINALLY designed for so UPDATING is really unnecessary. You need to figure out why it doesn't easily start with a 6 volt system, because without solving those problems you will not have improved things enough to make a 12 volt system a better alternative.

There are so many issues to look into after having a vehicle in storage for 20 years and being 84 YEARS OLD. Have you made a list of what you need to address? Here are but a few that should be considered before even trying to start your truck. Lets all add to the list.

Wiring harness replaced

Distributor reconditioned -points, plugs, plug wires, condenser

Take starter and generator and regulator and have them tested/rebuilt/replaced

Drain clean/replace gas tank, sending unit, gas pump, evaluate condition of gas lines, rebuild carburetor

Remove oil pan and clean it out, inspect oil pump and clean it up, lubricate crank, remove push rod cover and valve cover for cleanup and soaking everything in oil. Remove spark plugs and fill each of their head holes with oil. Try to move crank by turning the flywheel by hand after overnight or several days of soaking.

Flush out cooling system after removing water pump, rebuild/replace water pump, have radiator professionally serviced. Be prepared to remove head for inspection of cooling system and block. Check for signs of a cracked head or block

Develop a startup procedure

DO NOT DRIVE TRUCK UNTIL THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM INCLUDING EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM IS REBUILT INCLUDING NEW BRAKE LINES

Let the games begin. So much more to be considered.

Good luck, Mike

By far the biggest issues with 6 volt systems are folks replacing the original 6 volt cables with modern smaller cables.

If the cables need to be replaced, do so with cables significantly large to handle the extra current of the 6 volt system.

Jon.