1950 flathead v8 questions

S

spoon5

Junior Member
I have a 1950 ford 2 door with a flathead v8

what do we do to change the car to 12v from 6v ?

And I have something else going on, when I crank the car it'll run a few minutes then cuts off. when it cuts off it has power on both sides of the coil with the switch off.
Thanks in advance
 
A lot of folks think that 6v is just fine if in proper working order. If you really are interested in switching from 6v to 12v check out what has already be posted on the subject. The attached link is one source but there have been a number of past threads on this topic, use the search function.

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/6v-to-12v.html


If there is power to the coil with the switch off something is wired incorrectly or there is some type of short somewhere in the system. Might want to look at a wiring diagram if you haven't already. VanPelt is a good source for wiring diagrams (and a lot more!).
 
I drove a '50 for several years back in the '60s. I never had any problem with the 6V system. If the battery, cables, and charging system are properly spec'd and functioning it is completely adequate. The wiring will need to be adequate no matter what voltage you choose. Changing to 12V will mean resisters on gauges, radio, heater, clock, replacing bulbs,and that might be a partial list. Putting those efforts to getting the present system functioning will most likely be cheaper, easier, and more rewarding in the end.
 
Changing to an 8 volt battery and bumping the voltage regulator up a little. That will cure any thought of needing a 12 volt system, as long as the integrity of the system is good.
 
Going to 8v also has it problems, decreased bulb life and improper voltage to the gauges are among them.
 
The 8-volt change is just opening up another can of worms. Folks always try to get you to believe that the generator and VR can "easily" be adjusted for an 8-volt golf car battery. It's just not so. Going from 7.1 volt output to 9.5 volt output is a big jump for a system that is just not designed for it. At least you can get constant voltage regulators for running 6 volt instruments on 12 volt. How do you run an old radio or electric overdrive on 8 volts? Check out Fifth Avenue internet garage on the web. He has a little instruction book and offers products for a 12 volt change. 6 volt systems work very well as long as they are properly maintained.
 
rotorwrench said:
The 8-volt change is just opening up another can of worms. Folks always try to get you to believe that the generator and VR can "easily" be adjusted for an 8-volt golf car battery. It's just not so. Going from 7.1 volt output to 9.5 volt output is a big jump for a system that is just not designed for it. At least you can get constant voltage regulators for running 6 volt instruments on 12 volt. How do you run an old radio or electric overdrive on 8 volts? Check out Fifth Avenue internet garage on the web. He has a little instruction book and offers products for a 12 volt change. 6 volt systems work very well as long as they are properly maintained.
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That's very odd, I have a 50 Ford that I bought with an 8 volt system and it works great, I wouldn't change it over myself but I must admit that I don't have any problems with the car at all. The gauges might read a little higher but nothing that drastic. The car doesn't have a radio or OD but I'm sure they would work as well as a 6 volt starter works on 12 volts. Just jmho.
 
You too can be an expert. Look on Mac Van Pelt's site. Ten dollars buys the book with all the info you need. I can understand the desire to want twelve volts cranking power. I grew up with six volt systems. Yes we got by, but cold damp winters and less than optimal equipment made mornings less than joyful. 1965 we obtained a '56 Dodge (Hemi) and a new Chevelle wagon. Life was suddenly good.

This subject always brings comments against conversion, TEHO:p. Do what you like.:)
 
changing from 6 volt pos. ground to 12 volt neg ground is a good idea for several reasons.
1. You can change the 6 volt generator to a 12 volt one wire alternator. This will eliminate the voltage regulator.
2. You can maintain the current starter. It will simply spin faster.
3. Although you will have to put resistors in the gauge circuity you will find aftermarket accessories are more plentiful and cheaper than the 6 volt versions.
4. Last and most important there are very few mechanics that are able to troubleshoot a 6 volt pos ground system. I have seen jumper cables hooked up incorrectly more than once.
Good luck, I hope this helped.
 
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