6 volts, 12 volts...OK here we go. If you have a 6 volt system, keep it. If you have missing parts? Find them. If there is a 12 volt system in place, use it. Now, for the other stuff, IPod, Stereo, GPS, whatever, Use an inverter to get 12 volts where you need it. If you have 12 volt system, then fuse each item and you are good to go. Clean connections are needed for each to work. Yes, it can be difficult to find lights, Tractor supply places are helpful. There are replacement regulators, generators, starters, coils and what not for both. If you need more current, more than 35 Amps, then you might need to change. AC comes to mind, really? AC? OK now you got me into the dreaded "Opinion" mode, My bad. Back on task. This is the arithmetic involved,
Watts(power) = Volts X Current.
Power is what makes things work.
6 Volt system: So for a headlight, (Watts) 120 = 6 Volts X 20 Amps(I just used the fuse value, so think closer to say 100 Watts for real world stuff. But the numbers are easy to see if I keep the "designed" numbers in play).
12 Volt system: Headlight, (Watts) 120 = 12 Volts X 10 Amps.
As you can see, the same power, brightness, uses less current at 12 Volts. That is the gain for the manufacture. Smaller wire. Less cost. Better profit. No it is not a conspiracy, they(the makers) pay people good money to figure this stuff out every day. It is how they stay in business. So, for our needs, Keep what you can, use what you need and last, but not least, It is your Truck. It is your decision. But, use good reasons to make that decision. Alternators, are good things, Generators, are good things. Voltage regulators? You will find one in place no matter what you use. It is just hiding inside the 1 wire Alternator case. Or it is on the firewall like my truck. It came with an alternator. It worked. I kept it. I did find a genny, 6 Volt. If I find a regulator,6 volt I will keep it to. If the 12 Volt system dies, then I will get to decide. There is no real advantage to either system. But...the genny looks cool. Not to many under the hood anymore. Hey guys spend dollars and time putting 2 carbs on the intake, cause it looks cool. Good enough for me. Rant over.
