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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 46 Ford V8 6 to 12v conversion, pros/cons

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Discussion Topic: 46 Ford V8 6 to 12v conversion, pros/cons

JoanRebholz

10-20-2014 @ 6:42 PM

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Hello, looking for a little experience, please. My friend has a 46 Ford and is considering purchasing a 6 to 12 volt conversion kit.

Would like to know whether anybody can provide comments on the pros and cons of converting.

Many thanks,
JR

supereal

10-20-2014 @ 8:23 PM

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Why is he considering the converson? The usual consensus here is that the six volt system is fine if all connections and system components are in good condition. My '47 is six volts, and has run perfecty for the 20 years since I restored it. Often the conversion is meant to be a shortcut to starting problems, etc, without bothering to repair the cause.

cliftford

10-20-2014 @ 8:48 PM

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I agree with supereal. If all the electrical componets of a flathead V8, [ or 6cyl. for that matter ] are in top condition, there is nothing to be gained by converting to 12 volt, just a lot of unnecessay expense.

ford38v8

10-20-2014 @ 10:07 PM

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As advised above, conversion to 12V is intended as an easy fix for starting problems.
The problem is, to do the conversion properly, it becomes more complicated and expensive than to stay with 6V and service that system properly.

Alan

This message was edited by ford38v8 on 10-20-14 @ 10:09 PM

len47merc

10-21-2014 @ 4:31 AM

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Agree completely with all prior comments and add that many conversions to 12V are invested in to also improve headlight brightness in 6V systems when, as supereal states, if all system components, connections and grounds are in good condition, 6V systems will produce more than adequate headlight brightness and color. I also have a '47 and took all this advice from these gents and others to stay 6V and am glad to have done so as the work to place the electrical system in top shape resolved other hidden and potential issues that were unknown at the time that would inevitably have cropped up 'down the road'.

Steve

This message was edited by len47merc on 10-21-14 @ 4:33 AM

carcrazy

10-21-2014 @ 10:05 AM

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It depends on the intended use of the car. If the car will be point judged in concours events then it should be kept stock with a 6 volt electrical system. If the car is to be used as an everyday driver and taken on cross-country tours where reliability is a major priority then converting to 12 volts may make better sense. If you want to install modern accessories like cruise control and a stereo radio/CD player to make long distance driving more pleasant then a 12 volt negative ground electrical system with an alternator is the best bet.

TomO

10-22-2014 @ 7:57 AM

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There is NO difference in reliability between a 6 volt system and a 12 volt system as long as both are correctly maintained.

The 6 volt sealed beams are just as bright as the 12 volt sealed beams when the correct voltage is delivered to the bulbs.

If your friend intends on adding modern accessories that require 12 volt, he should make the conversion. He should also be aware that adding those accessories will add more things that can go wrong and that they will affect the reliability of the vehicle.

Tom

JoanRebholz

10-22-2014 @ 6:53 PM

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Many thanks to all who contributed. After reading the comments, my friend has decided to leave his car at 6 volts.
Cheers,
Joan R.

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