Originally posted by Tiny:
I don't claim to be an expert at 6V to 12V conversions. I did one conversion on my old 55 1st panel though. For the conversion I changed the coil, voltage regulator, generator and bulbs period. I didn't add a resistor or anything else to drop the voltage to the guages. All of the guages ran with 12 volts with absolutely no problems and I put over 100K on the truck after the conversion. I don't think you'll have any problem with your guages but I still wouldn't turn your lights or any accessories on while the 12V battery is hooked up to it. A lot of folks here strongly advise dropping the voltage to your gauges & while it certainly can't hurt I've personally not seen a probem with not doing it.
I haven't looked at a 55 for a few, but all but the gas gauge don't use electrical senders? 12V should be ok on the amp meter. It's a mater of how full the gas tank is as to excess voltage to that guage.
