Convert to 12 volt or not?

woodrow said:
We have a '30 Model A coupe that I've driven at night a time or two. The lights are pretty good with 6 volts, however I have been thinking about converting to 12 volt, adding a second tail light and turn signals. Seems that would make the car safer if I do get caught out at night. I'd sure welcome any thoughts on cost and suggestions on how to go about that. Thanks
Click to expand...
Brattons has new headlight reflectors that are exact factory replicas and will really make a Hugh difference and cost about $90.00 per pair and they carry both types one and two bulb, this will keep her original, as far as turn signals I installed Logo Lites Model A Ford LED Turn Signals and it installs very easily and are very bright, here is the link to their site http://www.logolites.com/led/turn/signals/ :)
 
Graham said:
I'm running LED headlights, a direct bulb replacement for 6v positive ground.
Click to expand...

Good to know these are an option.

I take it they will dump heat into the reflector? LED's need to dump heat well to last.

The H4 ones getting about often have a big heat sink or fan at the back.
 
Thanks for all the good replies to my question. I drove the coupe last night and the 6 volt headlights are bright enough so I will stay with what I have but add the right side tail light and turn signals. Thanks again.
 
A powerGEN with shipping is A$600 - A$1000 to Oz is depending on who creates the shipping charges.

UK shipping is cheaper for us. For $78 I'd have a dozen of 'em.
 
if 12 volt lights are brighter than 6 volt. 120 volt lights in a house must be 10 times brighter than 12 volt
 
Last edited:
My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.
 
captndan said:
My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.
Click to expand...






There should be a lot of info in the archives/search. This is a popular subject.

I'm not sure how you have the turn signals hooked up. I'm not sure but I think the 55 is a single contact bulb so I don't know how you're doing this.
But, if you use LEDs for the rears you'll have problems with flash rate. Higher wattage/CP will be needed in the fronts to 'fire' the flasher. Use a good quality old flasher [535], the new ones are junk.
If you find an electronic flasher that actually works, then let me know which one it is. But, I don't think you'll find one.


A #55 is a 7v BA9S single contact bulb. I'll have to look tomorrow to check the base size/dimension.
 
Last edited:
captndan said:
My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.
Click to expand...

I wish I had a bulb chart, but isn't the #55 just a small instrument illumination bulb?:confused:
 
If I remember correctly [ I have too many electronic flashers] the EF33 [ 3 prong] has the same specs as the EF32 [2 prong].
I haven't tried changing to 2 prong.

There is one flasher that is adjustable but won't work below 8v.


If there was an electronic flasher that worked on 6v I would think the vendors would sell it. They sell them for 12v systems.

Talking to the manufactures, the lowest voltage they say they have is 8. From my experience, I believe them.
 
Last edited:
In theory, it would not really matter much 6V or 12V but what matters more it how well the whole electrical systems maintained (I'm learning that lesson)... maybe if you're driving a lot at night, or need 12V external feed for charging phones etc. that might be the decisive issue to move to 12V.
 
The jury is out on the 6v versus 12v debate. All I'd add is that mine arrived with a 12v conversion, otherwise it would still be 6v :)
 
Charlville said:
The jury is out on the 6v versus 12v debate. All I'd add is that mine arrived with a 12v conversion, otherwise it would still be 6v :)
Click to expand...

That's like saying...The debate continues on whether "Tis the moon, Tis the Sun"

And...my hair is gray, otherwise it would still be brown.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top