I find 6v systems completely satisfactory, been running them for years. It is also a shame that all these original trucks are bastardized just because of the reasons listed;
1. No big huge cables required: So whats wrong with 00 cable?
2. You can buy a 12V battery anywhere.So can a 6V battery
3. Faster starting, especially in cold weather. I don't use my truck in cold weather or any of my other antique autos. My trucks are tuned properly and start very well.
4. You can add accessories, winch, electric wipers, radios, bluetooth, bags, etc...... I have a wood tool box in the bed of my 46. It has a 12V battery charged by a solar panel on the lid. It is wired to the OEM cigarette lighter so all these things can be used in the cab.
5. You can by bulbs anywhere: as well as 6V
6. You can't get a jump start from someone without burning out bulbs and gauges or unknown electrical damage. If I need a jump start, you have more problems than a 12V system will provide.Get your truck right.
7. Automotive is built around 12V systems. A standardized GM USA system since 54/55: so that is justification to bastardize a 6V system?
8. Testing is built around 12V: My volt/ohm meter works with any voltage
9. Aftermarket is built around 12V: again your taking away from the original OEM mystique. Go to a car show, I want to see how vehicles were manufactured in the year they were made, not the same old "restomods".
10. You can buy a 12V alternator anywhere and cheap. You can't buy a generator or Voltage regulator anywhere and cheap. Go to NAPA, I have never had a problem.
11. No Gen. polarizing or sticky VR contacts: Again, keep things well maintained and you can avoid these issues, they did pre-1954
12. Brighter headlights and tail lights, no need for relays: replace all bulbs with LED and your brightness will be fine. I do, and the LED's are brighter than any standard 12V bulb.
13. You can charge your cell phone: Forget the silly cell Phone or see comment number 4 above.
14. 6V takes twice the current/amps to get the same watts. If you have 50W hi beam headlights, they will draw twice as much current as on a 12V system. I.E. 100W (both headlights) is 100W/6V=16.7 Amps vs 100W/12V= 8.33 Amps. You can run out of amps on 6V. (dim lights, etc). Then you start band-aiding with relays, voltage regulator tricks or living with it. See number 12 above.
15. May take a special harness to rewire 6V. Many 12V harness options for $200 (kits include new switches) We make you good Chinese kit Joe.
16. It's so easy and fairly inexpensive. Wrong, there are a number of considerations when converting to 12V and it will cost.
Do the future generations a favor and keep your truck as original as possible, we are losing more and more of them with this "restomod" mentality.
Last edited by msmall; 12/27/2023 11:11 PM.
