|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-02-2020, 02:24 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 10
|
Conversion to 12 volt system
I have been building my 1930 Tudor as original 6 volt system. But I find that the 6 volt battery does not have enough power to spin starter fast enough, consistently enough to be reliable start. When starter does turn over with any speed, the car does start and run fine, the generator showing a little charge on amp meter when running. It is a new battery, but battery is too weak to start the next time needed. I feel that I need to convert to 12 Volt system for the extra power to start. What electrical modifications need to be made for conversion?
|
12-02-2020, 02:39 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Aiken, South Carolina
Posts: 695
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
A 6 volt system should work just fine. Make sure you have a good clean ground. Make sure you have a good ground strap at the battery. Those braided ground straps oxidize over the years and lead to a bad ground. Recently was troubleshooting a friends Model A and it would not turn over, even with a new battery. New ground strap and it spun like a top.
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
12-02-2020, 03:13 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
As Greg said,
Remove and sand/clean all the battery connections especially the ground at the frame. I like to add an extra ground cable from frame to bell housing/transmission. Also check that the wires are of the correct size, should be at least #1 or 0. You might also want to check that the starter isn't drawing too much and in need of repair. |
12-02-2020, 03:19 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 126
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Many threads on here about converting to 12 volts. Do a little search and you will get all the information you could possibly use.
__________________
I still have an excellent rememberer, trouble is my forgetter is so much better that it often overrides the rememberer. |
12-02-2020, 03:22 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 311
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
I've driven both my A's for over 34 years and never had a single problem with the 6 volt system. You can run your phone and GPS off the 6 volt system as they both only take 5 volts. If it doesn't spin the motor make sure that the battery cables are for the 6 volt system and that the starter isn't bad. Twelve volts are really hard on a 6 volt starter and you could be beside the road with a broken starter spring. Just my thoughts, but I've only been driving a Model A for 38 years.
|
12-02-2020, 04:01 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Aiken, South Carolina
Posts: 695
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
12-02-2020, 04:55 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,523
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
If you're converting the car to 12 volts, converting the starter is a part of the job. If that is not done, the job hasn't been done properly. Any job done half assed won't be much good IMO. I've done about 70,000 miles in my A since I converted to 12 volts (I did the job properly) and have had no problems, only enjoyed the advantages.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. |
12-02-2020, 05:15 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Erie Pa
Posts: 689
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
My car has been changed over to 12 volt but haven’t owned it long enough to find out how good of a job they did.If you keep the 6 volt system, as mentioned in a previous post, use large cables for battery to starter and ground. Not being familiar with 6 volt systems ,auto parts stores don’t have cables for them as a general rule.
|
12-02-2020, 06:05 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 3,946
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
David,
You stated that the ammeter is showing a little charge. Besides all the comments about contact resistance and grounding straps, which you should follow up on, you also need to know if the battery is receiving a proper charge. The generator third brush may need adjusting. Check the battery voltage when the battery is being charged. It should be 7 volts or more. Lots of people convert to alternators but a generator should work if nothing is wrong with it and it is adjusted properly. I have found a voltmeter replacement more useful the the ammeter. A 6 volt car should start just fine if everything is working properly. If you do decide to convert to 12 volts, follow through with converting the starter to 12 volts.
__________________
A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
12-02-2020, 06:05 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Bay City Michigan
Posts: 1,050
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
ive broken a bendix bolt and it sounds like a hammer hitting to start the turning of the engine. and my points always need cleaning. im thinking of switching back.
Get good at hand starting your car. |
12-02-2020, 06:18 PM | #11 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,855
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Quote:
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 12-02-2020 at 07:54 PM. |
|
12-02-2020, 07:02 PM | #12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Quote:
If you're having point trouble then I'd suggest checking the voltage to them, it shouldn't be over 8v. If it is then you have an improper coil which would either need to be replaced with a 1.5 ohm coil or add an in-line ballast resistor to a 3.0 ohm coil. |
|
12-02-2020, 07:42 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Aiken, South Carolina
Posts: 695
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Guess I was one of those who half-assed converted to 12V on my 26 Model T. It's back to 6 volts (full-assed). My main point was to make sure you have a good ground. Otherwise, convert it to whatever you want-you still need a good ground. I see so many crudded up Model A's with crusty battery cables and folks immediately thinking they need to "upgrade" to 12V. Do whatever makes you happy.
|
12-02-2020, 07:50 PM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,523
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Quote:
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. |
|
12-03-2020, 11:09 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,057
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Methinks you have something bass ackwards.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! |
12-03-2020, 12:07 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 114
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Sounds like your battery is toast. A single starting activity should not be draining the battery to the point where it's unrepeatable. Check the aforementioned cables, connections, etc and put that battery on a charger over night.
Keep in mind that it's the battery's cranking amps doing all the work when turning the engine over. Switching over from 6 to 12 volts may not actually result in an increase of cranking amps depending on the battery you purchase, so it's not as simple as that. Food for thought. If you want to do a little light reading, here's a story I wrote for Hot Rod Magazine rewiring and converting my Model A to 12volts. Hopefully you'll find something useful in the story... https://www.hotrod.com/articles/upgr...-a-12v-system/ |
12-03-2020, 12:23 PM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: on the Littlefield
Posts: 6,163
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Quote:
I have 6 v, but because of bright lights and fast cranking I have been told I must have 12v system |
|
12-03-2020, 01:18 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,099
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Converting to twelve volts is a VERY SIMPLE procedure . I allow mine to remain positive ground and no wires need to be changed or swapped . The original style wiring system uses large gauge wire that will carry 12 volts with no problem . It will be necessary to use a resister at the coil if the original style 1.5 OHM coil is used . I prefer to use a three OHM coil for better performance . I use the Pertronix flame thrower three OHM coil and no resister is needed . I use the original generator and set the adjustable brush for a 10 amp maximum charge rate . I use the Fun Projects voltage regulator that takes the place of the cut out . I use the generator for the original look . An alternator will give brighter lights because the alternator will put out more amps than an original generator is capable of producing . The Original starter works well on 12 volts . I prefer to use the modern starter drive for dependability . The generator runs cooler on 12 volts because of the lower amperage setting at the adjustable brush . If original look isn't important , the alternator will put out higher amps for brighter headlamps . I always replace all bulbs .
Last edited by Purdy Swoft; 12-03-2020 at 01:28 PM. |
12-03-2020, 03:28 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
1.5 ohm for 6v and 3 ohm for 12v. It there is too much voltage to points a ballast resistor may be needed. Thought thats what I said, if it wasn't its what I meant. My thoughts were that Mike was still using the '12' volt coil, but, upon re-reading his post it appears that he has not switched back to '6'v. So maybe/probably my thinking is/was backwards. Regardless I think he should check the voltage to his points and go from there. If the voltage is correct then there could be a condenser capacity issue. Last edited by Patrick L.; 12-03-2020 at 07:21 PM. |
12-03-2020, 05:37 PM | #20 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,855
|
Re: Conversion to 12 volt system
Quote:
Of course, according to your past posts, seems like everything you have is original and has lasted 90 years. |
|
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|