These old power window and seat motors are very rugged.  I have seldom found one that doesn't work as they are usually good.  Just hook the leads up to a 6 volt battery and test if they run in both directions.  My bet is that they will work.

Phone charging may be possible on a 6v system.  Most phone chargers are based on USB specifications, which usually provide a 5v output.



Lawrenceville, GA

Thx miker. Still flipping the coin here. The car has no radio currently in it so that's no issue. I would like to be able to charge a phone too. Does anyone know how to go through the window motors or at least check them for usability? Everything in this car was unused for 57 years so there's no telling what condition they're in.
Hey Mike, your in Tucson some of the year? You're not that far away.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

With clean connections, proper wire size, and a good charging system 6 volts works fine. Not so good if you want to add modern items or don’t take care of it.

I converted my 55 bird to 12 volts 20 years ago. The 6 volt starter and power seat motors and relays are fine. You just don’t run them continuously till they get hot, and on the seats and windows everything needs to be adjusted and lubed. That often means rebuilt. The 6 volt horns included.

The fan motor is another question. I changed mine to 12, but some say they’re fine left at 6 volt’s. I don’t know, never tried it. Light bulbs you change, drop resistors for gauges. The radio will require someone who knows more about them than I do, but I think that’s doable on 12 also. Not sure about the positive ground part at all.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thanks for that interesting information. I just heard horror stories about cars not charging, dim headlights etc. I'm going to check out the generator tomorrow to see if it has any info on it about output. I know nothing at all about positive ground and how to wire anything up to it.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If you are keeping the original power seat and power windows then you better think long and hard about switching to 12 volts.  I think that if you put  12 volts to the original 6 volt seat and window motors and relays, you will likely burn out these components very quickly.  If your Lincoln came equipped with FACTORY air conditioning then it also came equipped with a high output (60 amp I believe) generator.  I have a '54 Ford convertible that has the factory police package and it has all of the same electrical equipment as your Lincoln i.e. power windows, power seat and the high output generator.  My windows and seat operate as quickly on 6 volts as my 2016 Lincoln MKX does on 12 volts and I have never had a battery or charging problem.  If you are not concerned with originality and you decide to install aftermarket power accessories then go with a 12 volt conversion.

Yes, it is a 6 volt. Since there are a lot of electrical accessories, ie power seats, windows, ac, I don't want to have any worries of running low on power.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Was the Lincoln 6 positive ground in 54? If it is guys here with 54-55 Fords or Mercury’s should respond if they personally did the change and will know EXACTLY what to do and look out for. I did a 1953 GM car which was negative ground. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Doesn’t look like it’s leaking enough oil to be an old Harley-unless it’s empty.

Seriously, this site came up on another site. Might add them to your list.

https://www.lincolnoldparts.com/

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I was asked that question once before and I have no idea . The compressor looks like an old Harley engine, probably weighs as much too.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri