6V wiring

Hivolt5.0

Hivolt5.0

Senior Member
A friend of mine has a 39 Deluxe Sedan that he asked me to help rewire. It is completely stock with around 50k original miles. He wants to keep the 6v electrical system and have the cloth covered wires, at least where the wires are visible.

I've rewired a '50 F1 but it was with a 12v system and aftermarket wiring harness so I want to make sure I get this 6v system right and safe. If you don't mind I'd like to ask a few questions and I would greatly appreciate your advice.

1. Would relays for the lights, horn, etc work with a 6v system?
2. Is there an aftermarket wiring harness available for 6v or do I just need to rewire it as it came from the factory?
3. Where is a good source for the cloth covered wires?
4. I know some parts suppliers sell pre-made wiring harnesses but they are usually pricey; would it be best to buy those anyway or would it be ok if I just make my own?

My friend has a factory wiring schematic which I'll be following but I just want to make the wiring as safe and up to date as possible while still keeping the factory look under the hood and such.

thanks in advance for the help
david
 
1. Six volt relays will work with a 6v system.
2. Almost all the venders sell harnesses plus several custom harness builders.
3. (see above) there are also several suppliers of just the wire and supplies, Road Island is one of them.
4. If you really understand wiring and how to build a harness you can wire your own, cost wise it will most likely end up about the same.
 
Tyree Harris supplied my harness for my 40. Great guy to deal with and he will customize the harness if you need and supply diagrams with each harness.
I don't have his info with me now but if you do a search on his name I'm sure you'll come up with it.
 
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ClassTech in Bend, OR, has a good wiring harness for 6 volt Fords - put one in my '52 F1 and it is great -good diagrams, etc. 800 874-9981
 
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There's really not too many wires on these old gals. Premade 6v cloth covered wire harnesses are about 2X the cost of a DIY from Rhode Island or similar. It is a bit more work to make your own, but it makes for a good winter project.
 
I bought mine through Mac's Auto Parts (I know that they outsourced to another vendor). It took a long time for delivery, but it was well worth it. Correct OEM colors, correct terminals---- just plug and play! The labor saved definitely made up for the higher price than a generic wiring kit.

Your original system should have a horn relay. As far as headlight relays, my feeling is that they weren't needed then, they aren't needed now. The heavy gauge 6V wiring will carry plenty of current to light up the old style bulbs.

If you're going to halogens, then maybe, just maybe, relays will help. Remember most dim headlights are the result of poor grounds.
 
I used a harness from YNZ. Awesome quality, exact repro Ford connectors and terminals and well documented diagrams. Not cheap compared to the more popular hot rod generic harnesses.
They also have terminal strips, flashers, relays, switches and everything else you will need.

Go to http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/

Dave
 
Hairycanary said:
I used a harness from YNZ. Awesome quality, exact repro Ford connectors and terminals and well documented diagrams. Not cheap compared to the more popular hot rod generic harnesses.
They also have terminal strips, flashers, relays, switches and everything else you will need.

Go to http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.com/

Dave
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One more vote for YNZ. I worked with Gene Z over 30 years ago in a non car related job and he is a stand up guy. Great product and attention to detail. Considering what you get the price is well within reason, IMO.
 
My 53 Victoria was changed to 12 Volt when I got it, the man I bought from, used a generic wire harness, it had so many extra wires I couldn't figure them out, so I rewired one wire at a time, very happy with the results, also moved the fuse blocks under the hood, which is the best thing. I have one block for battery hot, one for accessories and one for 6 volt accessories (fan motor and etc.)
 
I know recently Mac's ain't favored a lot but I also got mine from Mac's last winter. Looks identical to the original but with modern materials. Re did all harnesses and sub harnesses including new light switch at base of steering column and all with the diagrams provided went very well and works great.
 
Thank you all so much for the replies. I've been on travel or I would have responded sooner. You all have provided a lot of good info on sources so it's time to do some homework!

Thank you again!

David
 
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