Bob from Northport
Well-known member
Any one ever install a 6 volt pos. ground alternator on a 256 V-8 Mercury-1954???
6 volt alternator question
- Thread starter Bob from Northport
- Start date
rotorwrench
Well-known member
I haven't but I'm sure it's been done. A 10si generator can be converted to 6-volt. There are Power Gen units that look like a generator but are an alternator in disguise. Where there's a will, there's a way.
I am installing a PowerGEN 6 volt alternator into my dad’s 1955 ford Customline. I’ve disconnected the voltage regulator wires. I was wondering if I can disconnect the wire coming off the light switch that went out to battery post on voltage regulator? Also was wondering if I can hook a wire from PowerGEN to the power side of horn relay? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
rotorwrench
Well-known member
The horn relay usually uses a low current system to function the relay switch which then has a high current circuit direct from the battery to the to the relay and then on to the horn for as short a run as possible. It can use wire of a larger gauge to function the horn. The headlight circuit also needs a short, low resistance (larger gauge) feed from the battery as possible since it is a continuous operating circuit. A lot of these cars take the power off the starter relay to connect into the main electrical buss. This would work both horn and main buss into the dash board area or wherever the circuit breakers or fuses are. That's a pretty important wire so it may have to be a fairly large gauge.
If the car has been converted to 12-volt then one gauge smaller than stock would work. Resistance is not kind to 6-volt systems. I don't know what gauges of wire were used on the 1954 but it was originally 6-volt. It may have 14 gauge or larger for the horn or buss power feed. If it's larger then use that. 12-volt easily works with 6-volt systems circuitry.
If the car has been converted to 12-volt then one gauge smaller than stock would work. Resistance is not kind to 6-volt systems. I don't know what gauges of wire were used on the 1954 but it was originally 6-volt. It may have 14 gauge or larger for the horn or buss power feed. If it's larger then use that. 12-volt easily works with 6-volt systems circuitry.
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smtichy
Senior Member
Hi Bob,
I've installed a 6v Alternator, positive ground into my 1955 Fairlane, 292 V8. The specific brand was a Powermaster 82106, also had to fit a Powermaster pulley on it. It works great, feeds a constant 7.2V when running. There were a couple small bugs to work out later, but overall I'm satisfied with it. Nice to be able to have all electrical items finally running properly.
smtichy
Senior Member
A few years ago I installed the Powergen 6v into my 1955 Fairlane which is pretty much in stock condition. To keep the powered items working that were connected through the voltage regulator, I just disconnected the wires from the Voltage regulator that went to the old generator. I tied the new alternator in with a heavy gauge cable to the starter solenoid. This then ties into the heavy wire that feeds through the ignition, and back to the voltage regulator which power the horn and all. Hope that helps some.
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