Vintage Auto Garage 12 V conversion kit

1942-1948 Ford Mercury Car Truck 12V Conversion Kit - F4248K
From > Vintage Auto Garage $559.97


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Just ball parking the alternator, coil, etc., that seems a tad high for that kit. There is plenty of info on here and the internet to show how to do it. I can explain how to convert your generator to 12V for $60 using a mid-50's GM truck generator if you are interested.
 
I'm interested Tim.

Thanks

Just ball parking the alternator, coil, etc., that seems a tad high for that kit. There is plenty of info on here and the internet to show how to do it. I can explain how to convert your generator to 12V for $60 using a mid-50's GM truck generator if you are interested.
 
I've purchased many items from them.
Quality product that comes with instructions if you need that.
Super fast service/shipping.
Great to deal with!
 
Can't say about the entire kit but I used their Multi gauge reducer 12 to 6 volt - MGR1 that is supplied in the kit when I converted my '39 p/u to 12 volts. Works fine. But when I converted my '54 Ranch Wagon I used an instrument panel gauge voltage reducer from a Ford. Much cheaper.
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/10804b.html
Does the voltage reducer from Classic Industries that you mention in your post reduce the 12 volt to 6 volt? I have a 39 Ford converted to 12v Positive ground and of course the gauges (fuel, Batt, Oil Press) do not work because they are 6 volt and I am running on 12 volt generator. I have seen a similar set up sold by Carpenter but it did have a green ground wire and also suggested a 5amp fuse be installed between the ignition switch and the voltage regulator.

Thanks
 
Does the voltage reducer from Classic Industries that you mention in your post reduce the 12 volt to 6 volt? I have a 39 Ford converted to 12v Positive ground and of course the gauges (fuel, Batt, Oil Press) do not work because they are 6 volt and I am running on 12 volt generator. I have seen a similar set up sold by Carpenter but it did have a green ground wire and also suggested a 5amp fuse be installed between the ignition switch and the voltage regulator.

Thanks


Yes. Ford gauges form about '57 on into the '60's or maybe early '70's were 6 volts and all used a reducer like the one shown IIRC. I believe I bought mine from a Mustang supplier but not positive.
 
Yes. Ford gauges form about '57 on into the '60's or maybe early '70's were 6 volts and all used a reducer like the one shown IIRC. I believe I bought mine from a Mustang supplier but not positive.


Thank you "51504bat"! I had no idea that early 1960 mustangs had 6-volt gauges, 12-volt battery and used a reducer.
 


It's not the question you asked but please allow me to ask you one. Why do you want to convert to 12V?

First of all, it's your car and you're free to modify or restore it any way you want to. Personally, I welcome suggestions but really dislike people TELLING me what I should do with MY car.

Are there some 12v accessories you want to run or are you just not ecstatic about 6V starting? Perhaps there's something you're not satisfied with that a 12V won't correct. Potentially you'd cover up a problem that's better fixed another way.

I bought my mostly original '41 about a year ago and had lots of plans for upgrades and modifications. I took some advice to slow down and get it running perfect in stock configuration before making modifications. For the most part I've done that and glad I did. It's nearly always more economical to make an original work right and if you it getting working right you might lose interest in the modification. Also, the more you modify an original, the more you're on your own. No one else has a car just like yours and once you modify one thing you're forced to adapt to your modification and then you're forced to adapt to your adaptations etc.

A 12v conversion was going to be my first project. I took the "slow down" advice, held off, and still have the 6 volt system. I now take a great deal of pride in making it work right.

Again, it's your car. I'm not telling you what to do with it. I'm just asking a question and suggesting that keeping 6 volt MIGHT be a good alternative. If you reply with your motivations for a 12 volt conversion, it's possible you'll get some good alternative suggestions.

Modified cars are lots of fun too.

Best wishes with your conversion!
 
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I'll add my preference for 6V. Personal experience, the only problem I have ever had with 6V was I couldn't find the parts to install air conditioning on a 6V car. I have seen just as many electrical problems with 12V flathead Fords as I have seen with 6V flathead Fords. The 6V cars are usually easier to diagnose.
 
Glenn,

My apologies. OK, here it goes.

You'll need:

-Your old Ford generator with a good front plate.
-AC Delco Part # 19133819 (12V generator from a '50's truck. $50 from Rock Auto).
-Napa 12V regulator VR412SB
 

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Here is what it will look like when done. I added an old cover I found in a $1 pile at Hershey to replace the cover of the new voltage regulator. Nobody can tell it's 12V.

This is what the new generator looks like installed.
 

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To do it, here is what I did.

1- Remove GM front plate. Kind of PITA because of the large circlip that is hidden under pulley. Once removed, slides right off.

2) Removed old 6V armature from Ford generator.

3) You will need to re-use the front mounting plate for the old Ford generator.

I heated the boss that receives the sealed bearing with a torch. This is press fit, but I didn't want to apply pressure to the bearing. Once heated, the front of the GM armature dropped right in and shrunk into place for a good, firm fit.

3) You can chose to use the old bushing in the Ford rear plate, but I decided to use the sealed bearing from the GM unit.

4) Simply trim the mounting arm off the GM rear plate, paint and reinstall once dried.

*** Note. You will be using the center case from the GM generator since this has 12 field coils. It is the exact same length as the Ford unit.
 

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