I recently picked up a 1955 Mercury Montery 4 door with a 292 Y block. I was wondering if there is a kit to buy so I can change the old 6 volt system to 12 volt. I've never done it so am uncertain of what is exactly what is involved. I know I'll have to change the start and generator. If anyone has any pointers I'd greatly appreciate it.



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California

I'm not aware of any kit for the changeover. Why are you changing it? One of the issues with the changeover is the cars instrumentation. I've seen several 12V conversions where the instrument alterations are never completed correctly. If you are having starting problems for instance, often the problem is dirty corroded wiring & "bad grounds". Those 6 volt systems worked fine when the cars were new. But it's your call...


Paul

I was under the impression it was a reliability issue with a 6 volt system. I'm also wondering how difficult it would be to put a cd player/radio in it. It only has a stock AM radio. I have researched the optima 6 volt batteries and they seem like they could provide all the juice it would ever need. Any tips on cleaning contacts or ? to make it as reliable as possible?



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California

If you want to add a CD player or any 12volt accessory about all you can do is add a 12 volt battery in the trunk.Isolate the accessory from any metal part and ground it back to the 12 volt battery with wires.I did this years ago before I switched the 53 Ford to 12 volts.Converting to 12 volts is NOT that difficult.The wiring will handle the voltage no problem.Change all bulbs to 12 volt equivalent.Use a voltage drop device to power the gauges available from Macsantique auto parts or a NOS Ford gauge voltage regulator from a 60's Mustang,Falcon etc.Ford gauges were all 6 volt powered even though the system was 12 volt.The only gauges on Fords to use straight 12 volt were in 56.You will need a 12 volt generator(or change to an alternator instead) and the starter will work as is until it quits at some point.You will also need a 12 volt starter solenoid which has 2 small terminals instead of the one on 6 volt systems.Run a wire from the "I" terminal to the +(I think) side of the coil.This gives full 12 volts to the coil for starting.Add a ballast resistor inline to the wire from ignition switch to coil for when the car is running.I am sure there are a couple of other small items I have forgotten to mention.Someone else will remember them and ad to this topic.Changing to 12 volts is the way to go IF you want to update some accessories.Its hard to work with 6 volts and then its positive ground as well.I never regretted changing mine to 12 volts especially when it can be changed back with no problem if someone wants to restore to original.Theres a couple of books on this topic and I think one is available from Dennis Carpenter if you check his online catalogue.

  

Ok, I have to go through all the wiring anyway so I will look at all the parts and prices. It sure would be more convenient to have it as a 12v negative ground, since 6 volt is becoming relatively extinct. Did you have to change the distributor or coil? There isn't much to these engines, so if it's cost efficient, I'll probably end up changing it over.



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California

Yes you must change the coil.The distributor is OK as is.Your stock radio can be used if you put a resistor in power wire to cut back to 6 vots.Radio doesn't care if its positive or neg. grounded.Works either way.There is nothing wrong with a properly maintained 6 volt system.Its more convenient to switch to 12 volt IF you want to add accessories like a CD player etc.

  

If you have a clock, you may have to switch to negative ground on the back of the clock.  I believe that is the case in the 55 Tbird at least.

Awesome. Here's a question that I should know, where is the voltage regulator located exactly? (Haven't gotten my repair manual yet) Thanks again



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California

Kevin,

  I've converted 3 Y-Block powered vehicles of my own to 12 volts and am very happy with the results.  If you plan on making it a show car then Leave the 6 volt system intact.  If you simply want to make it a reliable, drivable classic with a few modern touches and ease of maintenance, convert it to 12 Volt negative ground with a Delco 10 SI alternator.  The best place to start is 5th Ave Auto Electric.  Website is http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/  Randy Rundle is the owner; he's an expert on vintage auto electrical systems and a heck of a nice guy!  He can give you the pros and cons of each (6 volt vs. 12 volt) system and he has all of the parts required to convert to 12 Volt or get your old 6 volt system back in shape. Send me a PM, if you need any more info.  Good luck and have fun!

Best,  

A.J.

South Jersey

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

Just emailed Randy Rundle and I'll be calling him tomorrow to get everything shipped!!! Thanks for letting me know about his site!



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California