1936 3 Window Coupe

C

Crabby

Junior Member
Hi all,

I've been looking at this forum for a while. I decided to ask some questions, because I need some help to get things going again on my restoration. The past few years have been rough and haven't allowed time or finances to work on the car, but I have been able to hang on to it!
I have my Dad's first car, a '36 3 window with rumble seat. Right now, the interior is gutted, engine and transmission are good, Body is good. I'm thinking of doing a 12V conversion, but other than that, leaving it as it was built. I also want to get the old wiring out, its all the original, and I'm not sure where mice have chewed, etc.
My first question, I need a source for the wiring. I see a lot of places that sell individual pieces of the harness and I seem to remember from a few years ago, there was someone in the northeast that sold the complete wiring for the car. I haven't been able to find anything searching the internet that is like what I remember from a few years ago. They may be out of business, too. Where would you go for your wiring?

I know I'll have some more questions, and I hope that I'll maybe be able to help someone out here in the future.
 
YesterdaysYNZ wiring in California. They can do a completely as original wiring harness but with all the modern modifications built in like blinkers, a master fuse link, 12v to 6v reducers IF you have an original 6v radio that works, etc etc.
 
Is there a reason you are wanting to switch to a 12v system? If you are keeping the car mostly original that seems like a lot of effort for little or no gain. The reason most switch to 12v is to accommodate modern electronics, such as a radio, etc. The switch will require a new 12v generator or alternator, bulbs, horns (if you want them to work correctly, voltage reducers for the gauges, new starter solenoid and most likely a new starter.
 
Thanks all for the suggestions! I think Narragansett was the one I was looking for. I’ll try the others, as well. Always good to have options!
I’m only thinking of the 12 volt because I’ve read that lights are brighter, faster starts, easier to jump start, if needed, etc. I’m not sold on the idea completely, yet.
I’m hopefully attaching a picture. This is before I put the hood back on.
 

Attachments

  • E7C3CDC9-62E8-4847-8141-F8197BBFF58A.jpg
    E7C3CDC9-62E8-4847-8141-F8197BBFF58A.jpg
    45.5 KB · Views: 749
Nice car!!!.....your very fortunate.....your in the right place for help.....good luck!!.....Mark
 
rockfla said:
YesterdaysYNZ wiring in California. They can do a completely as original wiring harness but with all the modern modifications built in like blinkers, a master fuse link, 12v to 6v reducers IF you have an original 6v radio that works, etc etc.
Click to expand...

X2 on YNZ. They did the harness on the Tonner and on a 33 Imperial and wired the turn signals and flashers into the harness on both. Very clear instructions on how and where to connect the ends of the harness. Good people to work with.
 
I have several old Fords and 4 out of 5 are 6 volts. When everything is right, you don't need 12 volts. My avatar roadster is 12v and now know that was unnecessary but was the first one I did from the ground up. Keep the 36 as your dad bought it.
Welcome and there is lots of knowledge here.
 
Welcome to the ‘Barn. Great car. Sacramento Vintage Ford does wiring harnesses using cloth wrapped wire. And sells cloth wrapped wire, etc. if you want to do it yourself. Mike
 
I like that grey colour when I was a young kid the bloke next door restored a 36fordor trunk in the same colour. Very smart and it suits 36s' it got me interested in old Fords

GB
 
Nice '36 my favorite year, my Dads first car when he got back from the war. I heard people say to take out the seat makes it easier to lay on the floor and wire under the dash.
 
Been running 6 volts for some time, it works. If you prefer to do 12v besides gauges, generator, and bulbs, you will need to update the ignition also. 6v wires are more then fine for 12v if decent. Not impossible.


There are some options for 6v led bulbs for brighter illumination. Can't comment on the effectiveness of this change. But makes some sense, low voltage and brighter.



Super nice car. Love the color!
 
Crabby, a 3W '36 is one of the most desirable of Early Fords. You're a lucky man to have one!
My advice is to build it as a 6V, then if you like, you can then change over to 12v without too much additional effort or expense.
Don't burn your bridges by building it as a 12v.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top