12 volt conversion

[Purdy Swoft]

Not suggesting that anybody must or should convert to 12 volt but here is how I converted my roadster. Install a 12 volt battery, positive ground. No wires need to be changed if you are using the original style wiring harnesses. I use a 3.0 ohm coil and no resister is needed. If you want to run an original or 6 volt coil,a resister will be needed. The original generator will charge whatever volt battery that is used, up to 40 volts. The generator doesn't know the difference and charges in amps. The original type 20 amp ammeter will work good. A good original cutout will also work. I use the Fun Projects 12 volt can style voltage regulator in place of the cutout so that I get voltage, actually amperage regulation. The third adjustable brush in the generator still regulates maximum charge rate. I set the adjustable brush for a maximum charge rate of eight to ten amp charge rate. This charge rate works good with the halogen bulbs from Australia that fit original sockets, if you've got good correctly shaped reflectors. The headlamps don't dim at idle like the original style bulbs. Original horns or electric wiper motors will need a resister the same as any 12 volt conversion. The starter works fine on 12 volt and doesn't need to turn much to crank the engine. The advantage is quick cranking with double the power to spare. A slightly weak six volt battery, in many cases won't have the power to spin the starter and fire the points with enough power to start the engine. Twelve volt has been the standard for the automobile industry for over 50 years. Twelve volt batteries and componets are available anywhere. I paid $117.95 for a two year six volt battery for one of my model A's a couple of weeks ago. In some cases a 12 volt battery will cost less. There is no visable changes with this setup. If you need more amperage for lots of accessories An alternator and negative ground will be necessary and will require som minor wiring changes.