im sure this has been gone over but its time for me to convert to 12v. truck doesnt always wanna start easily. if i buy the 12 volt alternator wiring kit, get my alternator, make the brackets for the alt, new bulbs and get the inline fuel regulator thing what else do i need? do i need this "alternator conversion kit", the 30 dollar part or is that a part of the whole 150 dollar wiring harness thanks guys
6V to 12 V I just changed out the generator for a 12V generator and changed out the voltage regulator for a 12V one. Replace all bulbs with 12V versions, get a "runtz" resistor for the gas gauge so you don't fry the sender and a bigger ceramic-style resistor for the heater fan. Done...AND your engine compartment still looks "period correct". Andy
I think this is the coolest way. For me it always sucks to see a cool old truck and then pop the hood to find a alternator in your face. Jeff
i have a 12v generator, just dont know if it works. i wanna replace my wiring harness just for safety reasons.
A quick way to test a generator is to see if it will "motorize". As I remember it you used a heavy wire or jumper cables with minus to the case and positive to the armature; usually marked "A" or "ARM" on the case beside the terminal post. Turn a few times by hand to free up and then hook up to battery. They don't spin fast but if they spin at all then they will charge.
6v------12v In the 40 years or so that I have had my pickup...I went from 6 volt....to 8 volt...and eventually to 12 volt. It has been interesting. Right now, I am running with an alternator (even though, I push and love the original and have two). The reason is that I spend alot of time on the road and even hauling a vintage trailer. I and my son figured a while back that it would be a whole lot easier for me on the road and finding a replacment alt. In the inbetween years I did do the 8 volt for about ten years, until it got super hard finding a replacment battery( and expensive). When I finally went to 12 volt...kept the starter, generator, and heater motor at 6 volt. Did not use the heater much and only on low....it goes crazy! Changed out all bulbs and added a resistor to the tank sender. I recently found that adding a voltage reducer to the heater motor tamed it...I got it at O'Reilly's and it is part number VR1 or V12230 and it is really working well. It is dangerous if you hook it up like a wimpy job. I put it on a piece of angle iron with the holes to protect it....from other stuff and me. It gets hot! I put it on the holes next to the switch , of course facing away from everything. Rod
