The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Advice to change 6 volt to 12 volt Model A

Cool Hand Lurker · 07-10-2010, 11:47 AM

29RPU, it probably won't matter much where you live in California if you stay with 6V, at least for starting. If you have added accessories that need more capacity, then 12V may help because the wiring in the Model A is designed for 6V and is heavier wire so it will carry more amps. The alternator does require higher speed to get going so there are some drawbacks to the conversion but I think it is worth it.

If you were in Minnesota where the weather gets pretty cold the 6V system can crank over pretty slooooowwwww. I drove a 6V car for too many years in the cold weather to ever want to do it again. The 12V systems will crank and start! And the battery drain from starting will recover much more quickly with a 12V alternator than with a 6V generator.

07-10-2010, 11:47 AM	#29
Cool Hand Lurker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Minn Posts: 1,565	Re: Advice to change 6 volt to 12 volt Model A 29RPU, it probably won't matter much where you live in California if you stay with 6V, at least for starting. If you have added accessories that need more capacity, then 12V may help because the wiring in the Model A is designed for 6V and is heavier wire so it will carry more amps. The alternator does require higher speed to get going so there are some drawbacks to the conversion but I think it is worth it. If you were in Minnesota where the weather gets pretty cold the 6V system can crank over pretty slooooowwwww. I drove a 6V car for too many years in the cold weather to ever want to do it again. The 12V systems will crank and start! And the battery drain from starting will recover much more quickly with a 12V alternator than with a 6V generator.