12 volt conversion

[art ebeling]

What has to be done to convert from 6 volts to 12 on a 36 pickup. I have original guages, a new Bob Drake gas tank, a NOS Ford sending unit. This project came with a new 12 volt starter so I figure I will convert to 12 volts. Thanks, Art

[Habusailor]

I did my 35 a few years ago, I had the generator rewound for 12 volts neg ground, use the same starter, reversed the direction the wire goes through the amp gage. Changed the light bulbs to 12volt, put halogen bulbs in headlights. Used a resistor to the ignition so it still runs on 6volt. It was very easy process, the only major expense was the generator


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[Veeder]

Why do you want to go to 12v is a first question? If your intentions are to run an alternator and othe 12 volt devices then that makes perfect sense.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by Habusailor

I did my 35 a few years ago, I had the generator rewound for 12 volts neg ground, use the same starter, reversed the direction the wire goes through the amp gage. Changed the light bulbs to 12volt, put halogen bulbs in headlights. Used a resistor to the ignition so it still runs on 6volt. It was very easy process, the only major expense was the generator


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would mention a 12v-6v voltage drop component such as a Runtz to any electric gauges. Don't know if you have a heater with blower motor, but that would need to be dealt with, and of course a new 12v battery.

[art ebeling]

Originally Posted by Veeder

Why do you want to go to 12v is a first question? If your intentions are to run an alternator and othe 12 volt devices then that makes perfect sense.

Only because the truck has a new 12volt starter. I have other antique vehicles that are all 6 volt. Maybe I should stick with 6 volt. Art

[19Fordy]

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Do yourself a BIG favor and keep it 6 V using a 6V starter. Does your NOS 1936 fuel tank sending unit fit the screw holes in the reproduction DRAKE tank? If you have the original 6V gauges, you need to have the matching 6V gas tank sending unit.

If you do decide to switch to 12V ,Please be sure to let us know if the fuel tank sending unit provides accurate fuel gauge readings through its range of motion.
https://inthegaragemedia.com/install...-ford-project/

[TJ]

I would keep the 6 volt system. Just make sure you use the correct battery cables for 6 volt. It needs the larger cables to work properly.

[Veeder]

Regarding the 6 volt “system” I suggest bring the 6 volt ground directly to the engine block. And from the block go to the chassis.
Just my opinion

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Veeder

Regarding the 6 volt “system” I suggest bring the 6 volt ground directly to the engine block. And from the block go to the chassis.
Just my opinion

You also need to GROUND the BODY from body to engine block. DD

.

[art ebeling]

I think I will keep it 6 volt. My NOS sending unit holes match up with the holes in the Bob Drake tank, however a lip has to be ground off the tank in order for the sending unit to fit into the hole and sit flush. Art

[19Fordy]

Can you please post a photo of your NOS sending unit?