12V Conversion

[nellis003]

Hi all,

Continuing the work on my 51 Mercury...

I put on an alternator and will be changing out the solenoid to a 12V version, and I have a SBC converted distributor mounted. I'd like to try and keep the rest of the car's 6v components, so does anyone have a good wiring diagram (or even some good tips) for where to put the voltage reducers? Car has a manual trans with overdrive.

If there's anything else I should look out for, I'm all ears.

Thanks for any input,
Nick

 

[Henry/Kokomo]

Pa tricks Antique Auto Parts has some good voltage reducers and information useful for converting 6v systems to 12v. If you change voltage, I'd be sure to change to Negative ground to make the use of 12v accessories possible (cell phone chargers, GPS systems, radios, etc.) I converted my '46 Ford with Patrick's parts 3 years ago with good success. Good luck.

 

[53ash]

Need to get a 12 overdrive solenoid. They draw a lot of voltage, and are not supposed to work on reducers.

 

[nellis003]

Thanks for the input, guys.

Found a terrific thread on the Ford Truck Enthusiast site regarding the 12V conversion, and thought I'd post the link here:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/812455-anyone-have-any-pointers-on-a-12v-conversion.html

For anyone considering the conversion, this is an excellent primer to get an idea of what needs to be done and which parts need to be picked up.

Hope others find this as helpful as I did.

Nick

 

[Bassman/NZ]

The Runtz type reducers are good for guages, but if you need something heavier for heater, electric wipers etc, Speedway has a grunty 30 amp ceramic reducer. Handled the wiper and heater on my 55 Plymouth no problem.