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02-07-2019, 06:50 PM | #1 |
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Location: New Zealand
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12 volt system.
A friend wants to convert the headlights on his 39 coupe to 12 volt.
What should he have to do regards the interior lighting - dash, clock, tail lights and rear license plate bulb. Also the horn ? Thanks in advance. Chris. NZ. |
02-07-2019, 07:19 PM | #2 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
I know you're not going to like to hear this, but tell him to buy an Optima battery and clean all of the connections and make sure the battery cables are big enough.
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02-07-2019, 07:23 PM | #3 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
He will need the little 12v-6v resistor things for EACH of the original 6 volt instruments. Not sure about the radio, it will probably need a big voltage drop thingie.
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02-07-2019, 07:27 PM | #4 | |
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Re: 12 volt system.
Quote:
There are a lot of articles on the details of switching. You can run the original 6v starter, but the Bendix will hit a lot harder. The starter solenoid may have to be replaced and the starter button change from a ground source to a positive source. Going to have to do something about the generator. Depending on the coil you will have to add a ballast resistor or replace the coil. And remember you are reversing the polarity, so the coil will need to be wired to match the polarity. |
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02-07-2019, 09:52 PM | #5 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
If the power rating is the same, 6 volt headlamps should be just as bright as 12 volt headlamps. Why bother changing? Jack E/NJ
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02-07-2019, 10:08 PM | #6 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
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Thanks to you all. |
02-08-2019, 12:26 AM | #7 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
if me i would go all 6 or all 12
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02-08-2019, 01:09 AM | #8 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
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02-08-2019, 01:41 AM | #9 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
Chris, in addition to the usual advice regarding cleaning up the electrical connections including grounds, installing an Optima, and using headlight relays up near the lights, the lens itself needs to be removed to the kitchen sink and with hot water, dish detergent and a non-metallic scrubber, get off all those many years of smog stains from the inside of the lens. Lots of guys are surprised to learn that those lenses were originally bright clear glass, not dull yellow!
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02-08-2019, 05:23 AM | #10 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
Yep just done my 39 coupe full conversion to 12v, power gen alternator, halogen h/l bulbs all other bulbs 12v, dropper for the gauges, 12v coil with ballast etc and Ive installed a 60amp thermal fuse for safety off the solenoid make sure cables are up to it with good clean earth horn starter etc leave alone. Works a treat so far.
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02-08-2019, 03:52 PM | #11 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
Scottie,
I might put the 2 of you in touch if that's OK. I'm in New Plymouth, he's in Auckland. Email me if you like. Thanks to you and Phil as well. Chris.NZ, [email protected] |
02-08-2019, 04:12 PM | #12 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
So did I Also brought a dummy case off Ebay for it to sit in. Looks stock but many times better than what I had before -I have 6v Halogen bulbs and very bright lights. The only advantage I can see for 12V is that when you are on tour you can source a bulb from just about anywhere if you are running 12V not so easy on 6V -Karl
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02-09-2019, 03:04 AM | #13 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
A few hints which helped 12v conversion of my 50 Merc:
Forgive my non-familiarity with the vagarities of 1939 Coupes nor NZ stores but these 12v conversion hints are not as common as they should be. |
02-09-2019, 03:40 AM | #14 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
Distributor & Coil ?
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02-09-2019, 09:39 AM | #15 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
swoop; Did you read this thread?
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ht=convert+12V |
02-09-2019, 11:08 AM | #16 |
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Re: 12 volt system.
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