Without wading through all the topics, has the subject of converting a 6v. system to 12v. come up yet? I have a '55 Country Seadan wagon.

"You can lead a horse to water...but a pencil must be lead."

 

Cleveland, Ohio

Professor,

It's a pretty common modification and although it's come up quite a bit on this and many other forums, it's a new experience for you so ask away!  That's why these forums exist..so that those of us that have done it "a hundred times before" can help those who are doing it for the first time!

I'll tell you this, it's a fun and rewarding project that will make your old ride more reliable.  I HIGHLY recommend doing the Delco alternator conversion.  A good place to get started is http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/  Randy Rundle is the owner and he's a heck of a nice guy.  He can tell you what you'll need, and what you wont!  He also has all of the parts in stock to make your conversion quick and easy.  Between what he can tell you and what you'll learn here, you'll be an expert in no time!

Personally, I've converted 3 50's era Fords (including my 55 Ranch Wagon) and 2 50's GM products to 12 volt systems and have always had good results.

Good Luck. 

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

macsautoparts.com has a kit for 209 that includes everything needed to convert to 12v neg ground alt/brackets/hardware

y-block newbie

Thanks. I'm intrigued by the 6v. alternator offered by Fifth Avenue. I'm wondering if this might be another way to go. Would also love to see pictures of your '55 wagon.

"You can lead a horse to water...but a pencil must be lead."

 

Cleveland, Ohio

If you want to maintain a 6 Volt system, the 6 V alternator is a great choice.  Plus there are many modern, reliable 6 V batteries on the marker now.  Optima makes a great one!  If you'd like to see pics of my wagon go to the "street" section under the post "Spruced up my 272"  I put quite a few pics in that post. 

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

If you go 6 volt you might want to consider an 8 volt battery. I used this set up in the early 80s. 

55Birdman  Hickory NC

Prof: Keep in mind if you convert to 12v there may be issues with your Dash instruments. According to an Auto Electrician, most problems with the 6V systems, due to age, are related to dirty & corroded wiring & bad grounds. Electricity runs on the outside of wires & because of the low voltage, cannot jump thru dirt, bad connections & bad grounds..


Paul