12 volt uograde

M

Marleysurf

Member
Hello again,
I just bought a 29 model a and just picked it up today! The guy I bought is from had it converted from 6 to 12 volts. I'm thinking about changing it back just because I really want this to be all original. Should I? What does the 12 volt conversion advantages or do for me. Like I said I'm going to be restoring this car and really want it to be original. Thanks!
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Let me give you this advice. If it drives and stops, drive it enjoy it, save your money for gas.

When you are ready you can start changing things. Conversion back to 6 volts should be one of the last things.
 
Have you checked the battery to be sure it's 12 volts?
Some alternators have been changed to 6 volts because some people think they need high power headlight bulbs and want more amps to drive them. I agree with you and would keep it original 6 volts with a generator.

BTW when you have the water pump off to fix the leak, that would be a good time to install an aluminum fan, and ditch the non stock fan on there now.
 
To me that alternator looks to be tilted downward at the front and if it is you will go through fan belts verity quiickly. Wayne
 
I agree with those who say fix the water pump and drive it for a while, because you and the car will have some conversations then, and get some ideas together about what should be done, and in what order.

I notice you have what appears to be an original popout ignition. If the rest of the car is mostly original, I encourage your plan to return it entirely to stock. There are many more reference books on working on stock A's, and when a problem happens later on, you have a better chance of understanding and fixing it with a stock setup than if you have a modified setup with little reference or experience, either personal or from other Model A guys. Go slowly for a more harmonious outcome.

No doubt 12v will afford brighter lights, but my cars are all 6v, and my lights are also nice and bright because they are properly restored. And I live in a city where street lights adequately illuminate the road, so car lights are more for being seen than for seeing.
 
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Whatever works for you. Are you going for Fine Point? Then by all means convert back to original everything!

Mine is a touring A and 12 volt neg. ground. Halogen lights, alternator F.S. ignition in orig. distributor. I often drive at night on tours and I can drive during the day with lights on with no issues keeping battery charged. I like the neg. ground so if I wish I can add 12 volt stuff if I desire. I have a modern starter Bendix. For me it works. My brother-in law has been running the same F.S. ignition for 22 years and not a single fault.
Here in Kentucky where I tour... we have no idea what a street light looks like.. LOL
Again most important do what you like and like what you do.
 
With the hood shut no one knows if you're 6V or 12V, if you have an alternator or a generator, an orig pop out or a "cheater", a tilly or a zenith, a 4 blade or 2 blade, and on and on.
JMO
Get it running reliably and enjoy it.
Paul in CT
 
Knowledge is king... read and learn as much as you can. Seek out factory prints over what you read in the 'manuals' where possible.

Changing the system usually is to compensate for problems. Often the changes have other effects and at time affect reliability.

Often the electrical system and proper mechanical connection of the ends is not understood by the owner. This can lead to some interesting and difficult to troubleshoot issues. The original system works great. It will suffer if the connectors are dirty and the strands are broken here and there. A converted car may really need a new electrical system for safety and reliability.
So first item is a close inspection of all things electrical. This includes connections to the frame and other places like where the head light bar attaches to the fenders to make sure you have metal to metal contact for grounds. Items like the engine splash pans are important ground paths along with through the suspension components.

Bright headlamps are more dependant on good connections, proper reflectors and proper focus. There are some advantages to going with direct replacement halogen bulbs too. Voltage only comes into play when there are bad connections. the 12V system will bandaid those problems.

Alternators are not a solution either. Contrary to what people want to believe, they really do not add much to the system overall.

You main concerns should be safety. A close inspection of the fan you have. As a rule you do not trust any fan and inspect frequently for cracks. Never put a heavy coat of paint on the fan. Some will give you a hint they want to fail. A quality new fan would be a wise investment in some cases. Again, they must have only a light coat of paint.

I would very concerned with the brake system. It should be inspected and it is likely that it needs a rebuild. It is not cheap or easy to properly rebuild the brakes. Once done right youare likely to get decades of great braking with minimal maintenance.

It should be understood, reguardless of what some may tell you, what the Model A was when it was new and how it can drive when properly restored (mechanically). From the factory it was designed to run 60 MPH and stop great. Properly restored the car will run 65 all day long comfortably (not saying you need to drive that fast mind you). A properly restored car will just keep going for decades with minimal maintenance, mostly keeping stuff lubricated and a battery every 5 years or so.
It is not cheap or easy to restore the car back to the factory specs- keep in mind I am not talking judging standards specs.
A lot of modern upgrades make great profit for the dealers.
 
Bought my '29 with electricals upgraded to 12 volt alternator and halogen bulbs.
All is great...I would not change back. However, IF you want originality then you will have to go 6 volts - your choice.
 
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