Greetings, I am new to this site and found this forum very useful. My question is this; I installed new wiring harness in my 1954 3100 series truck and converted it to 12 volts and wanted to know what components I need to replace? such as ammeter, horn relay, fuses, light switch, etc. Best regards, Larry
Welcome Joker! Glad to have you aboard. Just doing this by memory, I'm sure I'll leave something out, but I'm sure others will chime in. If going with a generator, you'll need to replace it with a 12v generator. Don't worry about the starter, as the 6v starter will work just fine. If generator, get a 12v voltage regulator also. You'll need to replace the coil and if you don't get one that has an internal resistor, you'll need to get a ballast resistor also. Make sure that you change all of the light bulbs to 12v (headlights, taillights, dash lights, dome lights, etc) as they don't work very long if you don't If you have a heater, radio or other accessories, either make sure they are 12v or get some voltage reducers for each one of them. We like pictures so post some when you can. Ken
Ken left out the gas gauge. The easy fix for it is a Runtz. If your engine temp gauge is electric (I don't think they were until newer models) you'll need another Runtz for it. If you have turn signals you'll need a 12 volt flasher. Ammeter will work OK. Horn relay should be changed to a 12 volt model if you are Italian (use the horn more, but less wear on the brakes). Fuses would theoretically be lower rating, as it takes the same number of watts to do a job whether it is 12 volts or 6. Given that I=P*E (I = current in amps, P = power in watts and E = voltage) doubling the voltage from 6 to 12 should reduce the current. "Your mileage may vary". Actual fuse rating should be chosen based on the smallest wire size in the circuit the fuse is protecting and the amount of load expected in the circuit.
Thanks for all you help I actually converted the generator to an alternator and replace the points and compressor with an electronic ignition. I have to say she has never run better. I replaced all the switches to 12 volts that needed to be. Thanks again for all your help.
