6 volt Generator in 12 volt system

[52 Ford]

I plan on using my rebuilt 6 volt generator in a 12 volt system with a 12 volt regulator. What coil should I use 6 or 12 volt?
I have a 52 Ford f1.

[WABOOM]

I don't/didn't think it was possible.
I'll be watching this thread.

[oldskool]

use a 12v coil, i have been using 6v generators with 12v regulators for years no problem also 6v starters and solenoids, you can use 12v field coils in starters and generators from 60s fords too if you want

[51 MERC-CT]

Are you using a 12 volt battery ????

[flatjack9]

A 6 volt generator will work with a 12 v. regulator. Not as efficient, but it will work. And yes, a 12v. battery and coil.

[52 Ford]

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Yes I will be using a 12 volt battery.
So I can use the 6 volt starter relay?
I need a new coil anyhow the top terminal broke off when i took it apart, so should i just get a new 12 volt coil?

[52 Ford]

What about the horn relay and the headlight switch?

[52 Ford]

What about the headlight switch, horn relay and starter solenoid? 6 volt or change to 12 volt?

[Aarongriffey]

Headlight switch is the same for 6 and twelve volts.
Horn relay should be changed. Actually my ‘51 F1 doesn’t have a horn relay.
Starter solenoid is actually a relay, it should be changed but I have used a 6 volt solenoid on a 12 volt car but had to change it after a year to 12 volts.
My ‘51 was changed to 12 volts in 2015. No problems except the 6 volt generator with a 12 regulator really doesn’t put out enough amperage and I have no heater or radio.
I often have a low battery and they don’t last as long as they should.
I have some of the needed parts to install a 12 volt alternator.


solenoid on my 12 volt

[safeguy150]

Pardon my ignorance, what is the advantage for all of this----why not just go all the way and convert to 12Volt

[flatjack9]

I have been running my 6v relay in my 39 on 12v now for 25 years. Just don't lay on the horn. Makes for a nice loud horn.

[JSeery]

Your 6v coil will work fine if you add a ballast resistor.

[52 Ford]

Any idea of who sells the 1.5 ohm ballast resistors or a part number?
When I call autozone or O reiliy's they say we have the ballast resistors but doesnt tell them what ohm's they are.

[cas3]

the clerk was too lazy to look. at the store they have a book that shows all sizes, shapes, and resistance. you pick what you like, and order it

[JSeery]

Here’s some commonly available automobile ballasts available from NAPA:
•#ICR23 – 1.20 ohms
•#ICR11 – 1.35 ohms
•#ICR34 – 1.40 ohms
•#ICR37 – 1.60 ohms
•#ICR35 – 1.80 ohms
•#ICR13 – 1.82 ohms

Also
NAPA* Echlin* ICR11 (1.35 Ohms)
NAPA Echlin ICR23 (1.20 Ohms)
NAPA Echlin ICR34 (1.40 Ohms)
Lucas* 3BR (1.3 - 1.4 Ohms)
Mopar* DCC-4529795 (1.40 Ohms)
Accel* ACC-150250 (1.35 Ohms)
Standard* RU-4 (1.35 Ohms)
Standard RU-23 (1.20 ohms)
Standard RU-37 (1.40 Ohms)

[JSeery]

Doesn't have to be 1.5, that is just an easy number for calculations. Something in the 1.4 to 1.6 range is fine.

ORielly's sell an RU-10 which is 1.82 ohms, an RU-4 which is 1.35 ohms, an RU-37 which is 1.4 and an RU-11 which is 1.75 ohms.

[Tim Ayers]

I just learned a trick on how to make a 12V generator using the case of a mid-50's-'60's GM generator, Ford armature and end caps. It's AC Delco part # 334-1001

Rebuilt GM generator can be had from places like Summit Racing for $50. When I get to it, I'll post a how to.

[JSeery]

Speedway sells a .75 ohm cold - 1.5 ohm hot ballast resistor.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Balla...%20(Feb28_2020)

The RU-4 was used on the late 50s Ford Y-blocks.

[52 Ford]

Thank
So just go with a standard 12 volt coil and starter solenoid from O rielly's?

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

Thank
So just go with a standard 12 volt coil and starter solenoid from O rielly's?

That's up to you, that would work.