6V versus 12V (stupid ques. I'm a newbie)

[RTPbee81]

New Model A owner, pick it up tomorrow, the car is orig. 6 volt, single brake light, want to add a second light, but wanted everyone's opinion on keeping it 6V or changing over to 12...

[Dave in MN]

Unless you have a compelling reason to change, I suggest staying with 6 volt positive ground. Most technical articles for the maintenance of the Model A assume the car is wired as original (6 volt) and as a new owner, this written information will be invaluable.
Just my opinion. Good Day!

[Joe K]

If your interest is only in adding a 2nd tail-light- then 6v will do you just fine.

If your interest is in "upgrading" the original headlights rated in candlepower, then you might make a good case for 12V (as bulbs are available more readily in that voltage) - and while you're at it you probably should upgrade the generator to something other than the Model A Generator which by modern standards is a bit limited amp-wise.

Actually, many here have had good experience with upgrading the headlights to LED. LED gives you 6x the light for the same power as incandescent original bulbs so your actual power use may go down with the brighter LEDS. And I believe LEDs are available in 6V too.

So there are options/upgrades/ways to make it satisfy YOU and what your needs may be.

Joe K

[Conaway2]

My car has the stock 6 V electrical system. I recently installed LogoLites LED headlight bulbs, which project quite a bit of light at night and draw only 1-2 amps - big improvement over the original bulbs which took much more power and were quite dim by comparison. I also replaced the original cutout with a Fun Projects voltage regulator - it looks just like the original cutout, but actually regulates the charging rate to just what the battery needs. With these changes, I see no need to change the system to 12 V. I also installed a USB charging port, which works just fine on 6 V.

[burner31]

Stick with the 6V but get the LED tail lights, so much brighter and safer, looks just fine and won't break the bank, may also consider the third back light in the rear window, just to make sure them knuckleheads see you. (I'm also running LED headlights/cowl lights and dome light, just haven't got around to the dash yet)
Its my set up and I am very happy with it.
But she is your car, so your decisions...post a pic when you get her home, we would all love to see your new car.

[Charlie Stephens]

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Add the tail light and drive it. The wiring for 6 volts is larger than the wiring for 12 volts so if you later decide to change to 12 volts you won't have wasted anything. Unless there are other problems don't tear into it immediately.

Charlie Stephens

[WHN]

I would own it for awhile before doing anything.

6 volt has also worked fine for us. I even get cars flashing there headlights at us at night to dim our lights.

Enjoy you new car, they are great.

[gdmn852]

Hello, I would say keep it 6 volt ,in most cases people having starting issues,they are using too small of gauge battery cables.6 volt systems require larger gauge wires .It appears that it got thru it’s first 70 years on 6 volt so should be good for next 70 .

[Chuck Dempsey]

Welcome to the group! And remember, there are no stupid questions (even without Buzz behind the wheel of the Ramblin' Wreck....)

[copgib]

I agree with Dave, leave it 6-volt. Hugh

[Patrick L.]

I agree with keeping it mostly original and 6v with the generator. I would recommend making sure it is safe and drivable before making too many changes. LED rear lights [both sides] are a good change.

[Conaway2]

I’ve had my Model A since I was 15 - and that was over 50 years ago - and I have no plans to change to 12 volts. With LED bulbs, absolutely no need to today.

[Conaway2]

I’ve had my Model A since I was 15 - and that was over 50 years ago - and I have no plans to change to 12 volts. With LED bulbs, absolutely no need to today.

[1crosscut]

Adding a second tail light is a good idea. You can then add the two lights that fit between the two front bumper rails and set up your car with turn signals.
Hand signal are "okay" to use but many are not familiar with them anymore and they don't work at night.

[Railcarmover]

12v with alternator,consistent current means longer lasting components you can buy at the local auto parts store..I like stock A 6v,it is part of the charm of a model a,no doubt,but for me and what I plan on doing with the car modern charging system and 12 v fits the bill.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

12v with alternator,consistent current means longer lasting components you can buy at the local auto parts store..I like stock A 6v,it is part of the charm of a model a,no doubt,but for me and what I plan on doing with the car modern charging system and 12 v fits the bill.

It is just my personal opinion but I don't think an alternator looks like it belongs under the hood of a Model A. Is it newer and better technology, yes, but I still don't like it.

Remember if you go 12 volts and higher amperage you can run an original ammeter by using a shunt across the terminals.

Charlie Stephens

[Mike V. Florida]

Keep it. Use the car a while and then decide what you want. There is no operational reason to change the voltage. Use the money you will save for gas.

[Bill G]

I faced the same question a couple years ago. I had a generator that was not doing well, and I seriously considered a change-over to 12. I stayed with 6-volt but admittedly, I did replace the failed generator with an alternator, but stayed both 6 volt and positive ground. No regrets what so ever.

[1928Mustang]

Keep it 6 volts. I have 3 model A all are 6 volts. No problems.

[Railcarmover]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

It is just my personal opinion but I don't think an alternator looks like it belongs under the hood of a Model A. Is it newer and better technology, yes, but I still don't like it.

Remember if you go 12 volts and higher amperage you can run an original ammeter by using a shunt across the terminals.

Charlie Stephens

I agree with that,to me a delco alternator has chevrolet written all over it.The pure engineering of the model a in original form is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. But in this current environment of turn signals,LEDs USB phone charging and a host of other improvements an alternators stable voltage makes sense.