12 volt back to 6 volt, what to know

[29tudorsedan]

I've had my A for about a year and a half now and it's been 12 volt with an alternator and electronic ignition and modern distributor from the previous owner. I have no problems with this setup, but I'd like to go to 6v, generator, etc.

So does this list sound like a good starting point?

I'm looking at needing/changing:

3 brush powerhouse with an EVR (March '29 car) where to find a generator?
New headlight reflectors (has repros now that have been cut out for halogens)
Removal of electronic ignition system (does something go in its place?)
Original type of distributor and points
6v bulbs and battery
6v horn (12v horn is on now)
Remove resistor from wiper (6v heinze on now)
Ammeter is a 20-20 still so it will stay
Belt smaller by one inch because it has one inch larger than stock from alt now
Remove ballast resistor
6v coil

My reasoning is, I have no complaints with how it is set up, but as far as I'm aware a well maintained and set up stock system works just as well, and is what was intended with the car, plus it looks right under the hood and will be a fun learning experience.

Anything I'm leaving out, or suggestions?

Thanks and happy holidays/Merry Christmas/whatever you celebrate!

[Bob C]

If you have an original horn it may just have a resistor installed to
reduce the 12v to 6v.

Bob

[Brendan]

why would you go backward? I have the same set up on my 29 roadster, the head lights and tail lights are nice and bright. and it starts up very easy. if you don't like look of an alternator you could convert a generator to put out 12 volts. also you would have to add a regulator. I like my 12 volts and would never go backward lust my opinion

[Charlie Stephens]

If you are changing from negative ground to positive you will have to reverse the wires at the coil and in the back of the ammeter. If you are not having problems I would leave it alone. The lights can be made much brighter with 12 volts. If you buy new reflectors get them from Bratton's. Check that the previous owner did not run a bypass wire around the ammeter in order to keep it 20 amps. Check out some of the head lights at a local Model A club meeting. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Charlie Stephens

[Herb Concord Ca]

Two things come to mind.
Check with the previous owner to see if he changed the starter to 12 Volts?
Once you remove the ballast resistor (in the coil primary wiring) you can use the same coil.

[Mike V. Florida]

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Originally Posted by 29tudorsedan

I've had my A for about a year and a half now and it's been 12 volt with an alternator and electronic ignition and modern distributor from the previous owner. I have no problems with this setup, but I'd like to go to 6v, generator, etc.

So does this list sound like a good starting point?

I'm looking at needing/changing:

3 brush powerhouse with an EVR (March '29 car) where to find a generator?
New headlight reflectors (has repros now that have been cut out for halogens)
Removal of electronic ignition system (does something go in its place?)
Original type of distributor and points
6v bulbs and battery
6v horn (12v horn is on now)
Remove resistor from wiper (6v heinze on now)
Ammeter is a 20-20 still so it will stay
Belt smaller by one inch because it has one inch larger than stock from alt now
Remove ballast resistor
6v coil

My reasoning is, I have no complaints with how it is set up, but as far as I'm aware a well maintained and set up stock system works just as well, and is what was intended with the car, plus it looks right under the hood and will be a fun learning experience.

Anything I'm leaving out, or suggestions?

Thanks and happy holidays/Merry Christmas/whatever you celebrate!

Can't think of anything. Like the others have said, the horn may just have a resistor (or you can rewind it) and check the starter.

[Terry,NJ]

You don't mention it, but has the wiring been changed? 12V wiring is a smaller gauge than 6V. The 12V has a lighter amp draw than 6V and doesn't require such heavy wire. 12V can use 6V wiring but 6V cannot use 12V wiring.
Terry MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Originally Posted by 29tudorsedan

I've had my A for about a year and a half now and it's been 12 volt with an alternator and electronic ignition and modern distributor from the previous owner. I have no problems with this setup, but I'd like to go to 6v, generator, etc.

So does this list sound like a good starting point?

I'm looking at needing/changing:

3 brush powerhouse with an EVR (March '29 car) where to find a generator?
New headlight reflectors (has repros now that have been cut out for halogens)
Removal of electronic ignition system (does something go in its place?)
Original type of distributor and points
6v bulbs and battery
6v horn (12v horn is on now)
Remove resistor from wiper (6v heinze on now)
Ammeter is a 20-20 still so it will stay
Belt smaller by one inch because it has one inch larger than stock from alt now
Remove ballast resistor
6v coil

My reasoning is, I have no complaints with how it is set up, but as far as I'm aware a well maintained and set up stock system works just as well, and is what was intended with the car, plus it looks right under the hood and will be a fun learning experience.

Anything I'm leaving out, or suggestions?

Thanks and happy holidays/Merry Christmas/whatever you celebrate!

[29tudorsedan]

Thanks everyone sounds good, in reply to those asking about my knowing the difference in lights my great uncle has an all stock coupe which I've grown up with, so I know the difference that there will be regarding lights, and I've driven his at night a good bit, and set up well it's quite useable in my opinion. And I will of course keep everything for the 12v set up in case I ever want to return.

With the horn, it isn't a 6v with a resistor, re-winding is a good idea though.

The external ballast resistor is run through the coil, so I will re-use the coil in the 6v system. It has a chrome cover on the coil...anywhere I can just get a black coil cover?

The starter is still 6v, I emailed the owner the other day just to verify, plus it cranks quick unlike the 6v coupe I'm used to.

Terry, I actually rewired the car with a stock 6v gauge harness a while after I purchased it because it just was older wiring from when it was restored in the 80's and most of the electrics on the car had issues so I just started with a new harness and worked through the things that needed addressing to get to a system with no issues.