The Ford Barn

52 Ford · 09-14-2020, 02:49 PM

I plan on using my rebuilt 6 volt generator in my truck on a 12 volt system.
I know i need to get a 12 volt regulator and coil.
Do i need to change out my starter solenoid, headlight switch and horn relay to 12 volt.
What vehicle year should i tell NAPA i need the above parts for 1960 F100??

I know about changing the bulbs and resistors for the gauges, but what about the starter solenoid, horn relay and headlight switch?

JSeery · 09-14-2020, 10:08 PM

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Thought this was covered in another thread! The voltage doesn't matter with the coil, the current flow does. With a 6 volt system you need around a 1.5 ohm coil. With 12 volts you can use the same 1.5 ohm coil with a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor (as some of the car companies did when they switched to 12 volts) or use a 3.0 ohm coil.

In general switches don't care about voltage. First need to see if you have a horn relay or not. The horns will work on 6 or 12 volts, but the pitch will change. Some are adjustable.

09-14-2020, 02:49 PM	#1
52 Ford Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 38	volt generator in 12 volt system I plan on using my rebuilt 6 volt generator in my truck on a 12 volt system. I know i need to get a 12 volt regulator and coil. Do i need to change out my starter solenoid, headlight switch and horn relay to 12 volt. What vehicle year should i tell NAPA i need the above parts for 1960 F100?? I know about changing the bulbs and resistors for the gauges, but what about the starter solenoid, horn relay and headlight switch?

09-14-2020, 10:08 PM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: volt generator in 12 volt system Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thought this was covered in another thread! The voltage doesn't matter with the coil, the current flow does. With a 6 volt system you need around a 1.5 ohm coil. With 12 volts you can use the same 1.5 ohm coil with a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor (as some of the car companies did when they switched to 12 volts) or use a 3.0 ohm coil. In general switches don't care about voltage. First need to see if you have a horn relay or not. The horns will work on 6 or 12 volts, but the pitch will change. Some are adjustable.