1950 ford 12v conversation help

spoon5

Junior Member
My dad just got a 1950 ford 2 dr he was wondering what all he needs to do to change it over to 12v from 6v. Thanks for the help
 
First be sure you want to change it over! A lot of the 6v folks on here swear by a properly set up 6v system. That said, when you switch over for starters you are changing from a (+) ground system to a (-) ground system. The wiring is fine as the 6v wiring is heaver than 12v wiring. 6v starters will work on 12v, but they hit harder and sometimes break the bendix units. I would reverse the wiring on the coil and change or modify the generator for 12v. Decide which gauges (or other functions) you what to keep 6v and add voltage reducers to each. Change the bulbs out for 12v.
The starter relay is operated by applying ground to the center post, there are ways to rewire it with a relay, I would just switch to a later model 12v starter relay. Be sure there is a resister in the ignition circuit to the coil. If you use a later model starter relay you could wire up the resister by-pass for starting , the (I) terminal on the starter relay.
 
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If the truck runs and drives now, I would strongly recommend that your dad just enjoy some miles in it before starting any upgrades. There's nothing like experience behind the wheel to help decide what is important - and the priority of importance. Six volt systems routinely get bad mouthed as unreliable. There is some truth here. There is also truth that most old vehicles that are poorly maintained are also unreliable - regardless of voltage.

Start by tending to the basics - check or replace all the wiring, with special attention to cleaning the grounds, verify the generator function, replace or reset the points/condenser, and use a known good battery. Do that and then you'll be able to determine how reliable your ride is as it sits. Without those steps, you'll start changing out parts without understanding the base condition.

Enjoy the ride.
 
The only reason Ford and the other manufacturing company's switched to twelve volt was the cost savings by using smaller copper wire. Thank God they did not have aluminum wire then.
Bruce
 
If you are interested, we have a 'how to' video we produced on the 6 to 12 Volt Conversion. The video (DVD) is thirty minutes and covers the entire conversion process as well as all necessary parts. The video cost $24.95 plus $3.50 S&H. For more information, please PM me. Vic
 
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