Newbie 31 Slant window

3

31 A4door

Senior Member
Hey out there, I just bought a barn find 31 . Untouched since 59' Stored inside and moved twice since 59. Bringing it home this weekend. I have a 26 coupe I have restored and just need to finish the interior on it but drive it nearly every week.
As for this A tell me what to look for. I do want to change over to 12 Volts right off. I will,, change out oils, points, and coil to try to start it on 12 volts.

Question is what do I need to do as far as positive ground to negative ground?

Won't the starter go the wrong direction ?
 
I've never understood the need to change to 12 volts every Model A I have ever had and every other car have all been 6 volts and I never have had a problem, The only reason that I can see is they seem to think a modern alternator seems to be more reliable. Every time I have asked an owner why is is always the same response " I was told by a guy if I'm going to tour I had better change it over" but none of them know why.

That is my take
 
Horse feathers. that is us bull. I have a 6 volt system 31SW Dlx Fordor..run: turn signals, 60w halogen headlights, 55 wt halogen fog lights, dual cig lighters, dual LED Tail Lights, cowl lights, 3rd brake light....Touring engine and drive approx 8500 miles a year and all 6 volt on a alternator...get my point. NOT NEEDED!
 
I change over because I have a 12 battery charger. It needs a battery and those are expensive and I have lots of 12 volt battery's around. Plus I like the faster starter speed.... Now Now,,,, I know you shouldn't make it spin real hard or fast so I put a shunt in there. I also like brighter 12 volt bulbs. and I already have an alternator lying under my bench.

I have changed my T over to 12 and love it. Though some of the T guys think I am wrong,,, It IS my car....

I have a 6 volt battery I can borrow to try to start this thing but no 6 volt charger. I could jump it with the 12 though if I had to.

Question is what about the ground system and starter direction ??
 
31 A4door said:
I change over because I have a 12 battery charger. It needs a battery and those are expensive and I have lots of 12 volt battery's around. Plus I like the faster starter speed.... Now Now,,,, I know you shouldn't make it spin real hard or fast so I put a shunt in there. I also like brighter 12 volt bulbs. and I already have an alternator lying under my bench.

I have changed my T over to 12 and love it. Though some of the T guys think I am wrong,,, It IS my car....

I have a 6 volt battery I can borrow to try to start this thing but no 6 volt charger. I could jump it with the 12 though if I had to.

Question is what about the ground system and starter direction ??
Click to expand...

I bought a brand new battery charger last year that is both 6 and 12 volts for 40.00 much cheaper and a whole lot less work.
 
todd3131 said:
I bought a brand new battery charger last year that is both 6 and 12 volts for 40.00 much cheaper and a whole lot less work.
Click to expand...
Oh I forgot to mention that even after setting all winter with the cable attached for the last five years I have never had to use it! But I keep it around for late model customer vehicles that run down in a few hours.
 
model a 6 volt is positive ground.. I dont think that a 6 volt battery at farm and fleet for 30.00 is out of line..were trying to give you the best advise here...
 
PS and it WONT start quicker at all! BUT like you said....It's your car first and foremost...Good luck
 
Starter will function on 12V and spin the right way. I believe you're going to have to change bulbs and coil.
Keep us updated, and WELCOME
Paul in CT
There is a search function at top of page, good info. Type in 12V.
 
msmaron said:
model a 6 volt is positive ground.. I dont think that a 6 volt battery at farm and fleet for 30.00 is out of line..were trying to give you the best advise here...
Click to expand...

I can see why you put the alternator on a T but you are comparing apples and oranges the A is a much more advanced car than the T and that is why they quit making the T. The charging system in a t is well...almost non exhistant and the reflectors and light bulbs are much better on the A I can look into a T lamp and see the filament fine and stand the light on a A you have to use welding goggles to see it.
 
Cheapest charger I could find here is $60 plus I need to buy a battery as well and just called they are 75. I guess I will start it on 6 for ignition and choked down 12 for the starter. Called about the starter. Talked to 2 guys and they both tell me the starter will go the right direction because of the way the brushes are in there. The starter rebuild guy just told me that is wrong. Who has done this and which is correct ?
 
First off, msmaron ,,, I like the look of your car and I am going to steal your color scheme.
I thank you guys for the info. This is my first A so bear with me. Decided to do this for start up. 6 volt for ignition and maybe 12 to bump the starter faster. After that we will see what I do I guess. From what I read the A still has a 3 brush system like the T and it looks like you set the 3rd brush for 12 amps at 1250 RPM. Is this correct ? If so it's like a T and I don't like it.. If not and the Gen actually regulates the charge I might keep it stock.

Also never had an A engine apart but I know it has an oil pump. Are the main and rods pressure or is the pump just for spraying oil around and up top ?
 
6-volt starter will work in either 6-volt positive ground or 12-volt negative ground and will turn the correct direction with either one. Just faster on 12-volt.
 
Wait,,,6 volt neg. I thought all A's were pos. ground. Under stand I have only looked at this car once so not sure of what it is if they changed it... I do know it is a 31 slant window Std.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top