Convert to 12 volt or not?

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Graham

Just my experience, I'm not trying to promote them (they're not cheap). But certainly less work than changing to 12volts. I'm guessing more of these will be available soon.

I'd say so, $78.00 plus shipping from the UK.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by woodrow

We have a '30 Model A coupe that I've driven at night a time or two. The lights are pretty good with 6 volts, however I have been thinking about converting to 12 volt, adding a second tail light and turn signals. Seems that would make the car safer if I do get caught out at night. I'd sure welcome any thoughts on cost and suggestions on how to go about that. Thanks

Brattons has new headlight reflectors that are exact factory replicas and will really make a Hugh difference and cost about $90.00 per pair and they carry both types one and two bulb, this will keep her original, as far as turn signals I installed Logo Lites Model A Ford LED Turn Signals and it installs very easily and are very bright, here is the link to their site http://www.logolites.com/led/turn/signals/

[updraught]

Originally Posted by Graham

I'm running LED headlights, a direct bulb replacement for 6v positive ground.

Good to know these are an option.

I take it they will dump heat into the reflector? LED's need to dump heat well to last.

The H4 ones getting about often have a big heat sink or fan at the back.

[woodrow]

Thanks for all the good replies to my question. I drove the coupe last night and the 6 volt headlights are bright enough so I will stay with what I have but add the right side tail light and turn signals. Thanks again.

[Goldhardt]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

I'd say so, $78.00 plus shipping from the UK.

Mike V, quit converting them to dollars! They sound so much cheaper at only 48 pounds plus shipping!

[Mike V. Florida]

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Originally Posted by Goldhardt

Mike V, quit converting them to dollars! They sound so much cheaper at only 48 pounds plus shipping!

It's 108.00 australian

[updraught]

A powerGEN with shipping is A$600 - A$1000 to Oz is depending on who creates the shipping charges.

UK shipping is cheaper for us. For $78 I'd have a dozen of 'em.

[George Miller]

if 12 volt lights are brighter than 6 volt. 120 volt lights in a house must be 10 times brighter than 12 volt

[captndan]

My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by captndan

My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.

There should be a lot of info in the archives/search. This is a popular subject.

I'm not sure how you have the turn signals hooked up. I'm not sure but I think the 55 is a single contact bulb so I don't know how you're doing this.
But, if you use LEDs for the rears you'll have problems with flash rate. Higher wattage/CP will be needed in the fronts to 'fire' the flasher. Use a good quality old flasher [535], the new ones are junk.
If you find an electronic flasher that actually works, then let me know which one it is. But, I don't think you'll find one.


A #55 is a 7v BA9S single contact bulb. I'll have to look tomorrow to check the base size/dimension.

[burner31]

Got mine from Bert's, quick and easy change, check and see if they will work for your "aftermarkets"

[burner31]

Originally Posted by George Miller

if 12 volt lights are brighter than 6 volt. 120 volt lights in a house must 10 times brighter than 12 volt

I tried that, but I ran out of extension cord

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by captndan

My 30 has aftermarket turn lights. It is original 6V positive ground. The lights us a single #55 bulb which is not very bright. Is there a direct LED conversion for these lamps? Thinking about going to LED for the tail and stop also.

I wish I had a bulb chart, but isn't the #55 just a small instrument illumination bulb?

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

If you find an electronic flasher that actually works, then let me know which one it is. But, I don't think you'll find one.

From Tom Wesenberg :

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...4&postcount=16

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

From Tom Wesenberg :

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...4&postcount=16

That's a 12 volt electronic flasher, but I got it to work on a hair over 6 volts. Something like 6.4 or so is the lowest voltage it would work at for me, so it should work OK on a running Model A, where the voltage would be about 6.8 to 7.0 volts.

[Patrick L.]

If I remember correctly [ I have too many electronic flashers] the EF33 [ 3 prong] has the same specs as the EF32 [2 prong].
I haven't tried changing to 2 prong.

There is one flasher that is adjustable but won't work below 8v.


If there was an electronic flasher that worked on 6v I would think the vendors would sell it. They sell them for 12v systems.

Talking to the manufactures, the lowest voltage they say they have is 8. From my experience, I believe them.

[mshmodela]

In theory, it would not really matter much 6V or 12V but what matters more it how well the whole electrical systems maintained (I'm learning that lesson)... maybe if you're driving a lot at night, or need 12V external feed for charging phones etc. that might be the decisive issue to move to 12V.

[burner31]

You don't need a 12V system to hook up a charger for your phone, 6V will do nicely.

[Charlville]

The jury is out on the 6v versus 12v debate. All I'd add is that mine arrived with a 12v conversion, otherwise it would still be 6v

[burner31]

Originally Posted by Charlville

The jury is out on the 6v versus 12v debate. All I'd add is that mine arrived with a 12v conversion, otherwise it would still be 6v

That's like saying...The debate continues on whether "Tis the moon, Tis the Sun"

And...my hair is gray, otherwise it would still be brown.