Complete conversion kit ? 6v-12v

Cody_1948

Cody_1948

Senior Member
Hi Guys, I've been thinking about converting my F1 from 6v to 12v, I've seen online number of different kits. I was wondering which one is the best ?. I have a 226 in my truck, I see some kits for v8s, But haven't came across one for the inline 6.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thxs
 
Why do you want to change from 6 volts? You dont need too. Just because some people say 12 volts is the go is no cause to follow their advice. The 6 volt system was good back when new and can be made to work just as well today. Nice to keep it all original. Regards, Kevin.
 
Mine was already converted to 12v so I built a custom wiring harness & never looked back.
A 6 volt system isn't as forgiving as a 12 volt system with regard to connections, corrosion and grounds. You will spend a little more time doing preventive maintenance.
12 volt will provide easier starting, have brighter lights, stronger charging available, easier to take advantage of modern accessories (like electric wipers, radios etc).

I've got a 12 to 6 volt converter for the factory gauges, Arvin heater motor and Trico Electrovac..... everything else runs off my 12 volt system.
 
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Since you can use the original 6 volt generator with a 12 volt regulator how would a 6 cylinder kit be any different than a V8 kit?
I converted my F 1 to 12 volts because I was using rental trailers quite often. Still do.
I use the 6 volt generator with a 12 volt regulator, not a good idea if you do a lot of night driving. It just doesn’t charge enough. And my batteries just don’t last.
Either leave it 6 volt or change to 12 and put an alternator on it.
Do 12 volt lights really shine brighter than 6? I wouldn’t argue about it but I never could see the difference.
 
I’m still using the 6 volt starter solenoid, an F1 doesn’t have a horn relay, so that leaves builds and instrument voltage reducer.
I went to Kragens and got a universal gas gage and sender that was 12 volt, same for the temp gage because they never read right with......
Leave it 6 volts. Just make sure you’ve got size 1 or 0 battery cables.
 
When we lived in Wisconsin, two miles from Min. We had a 226 F5 and our closest neighbor had a 226 1947 sedan.
They would always turn over Ok but wouldn’t star anyway unless they were kept in a garage overnight.
Leave it 6 volt and get everything up to par.
 
If you find comfort with a kit check out Ron Francis wiring at www.ronfrancis.com I used their wiring years ago and loved it. Color coded and sequential step by step process with diagrams. A bit spendy but I had a stripped down truck and I was able to get their kit which also had wires for the aftermarket a/c I was installing.
Worth a look, Chap
 
Bright lights can be had with 6V, with a seal beam car halogen 6V seal beams, and H4 bulb replacements for seal beams ---the H4 gives many choices of voltages and wattage bulbs
I prefer to keep the 6V system and let people think I have 12V, my secret is new lockwashers for good grounds through paint, and careful attention to all connections----restoration to original specifications negates the need for most modifications.
 
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