In simple easy to understand terms why would someone want to convert to 12 Volt? You not sunning a small block Chevy are you?
I'm not running a small block chevy. I just believe that 12 volt is superior in every way. The auto makers changed to 12 volts nearly sixty years ago and saving money with smaller wiring wasn't the only reason. I remember when all the cars were six volt and we would often wonder if the car would crank. If the car had a standard shift you could push them off, if it had automatic transmission, you would be SOL !!! The model A will crank fine with 6 volt if you have good grounds, the engine is in good tune and you have a good battery. The model A will crank much quicker on 12 volts and have power to spare. Good 12 volt batteries and components are always available, anywhere. Nobody is saying that the purists need to change to 12 volt. My model A's are fun driver cars and it just makes good sense to me. I want my model A to look original and have the model A sound. The sound of a slower turning starter doesn't thrill me in the least.
Setting a model A up with 12 volts doesn't require useing an alternator. The completely stock generator will charge 12 volt at less amps and probably be more reliable. The starter performs better and is less likely to burn out on the lower amperage draw with 12 volts. No original wiring will need to be changed. The larger guage six volt type wireing will carry the 12 volts even better, with less chance of overheating and burning. You can keep the positive ground and no wires will need to be reversed. If you want to run an original coil with 12 volt, you can, but will need to use a resistor that only costs a few dollars. I run a performance 3.0 ohm coil and don't need a resistor. Twelve volt bulbs usually don't cost anymore and the twelve volt halogen bulbs usually cost less and are more readily available. The battery is hidden under the floor boards and will not be visable. The engine will crank so quickly, most will be amazed and not even hear the starter.
This will pertain to fun driver cars and not the show car , museum pieces that some prefer. Usually when 12 volt comes up, some will fret over their original horn and windshield wiper motor, if present. I run and old JC Whitney ahooga horn and like it. On the other hand, most of the original horn rebuilders can rebuild the horn in 6 or 12 volt.
I wouldn't go out and change over a car that was running six volt in good condition. When building up a new project that I wanted to use and enjoy, I would go 12 volt. In most cases 12 volt components cost less and are always readily available. I use the Fun Projects voltage regulator that can be had in 6, 8, or 12 volt versions. This can style regulator takes the place of the cut out and has performed flawlessly for me for several years. I have also run 12 volt on original and repro cutouts. I prefer the can style regulator because it has no points to stick like the original cut out and gives voltage regulation, like modern cars. I don't consider any of this to be a bandaid, I consider it a very reasonable improvement.
