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| | | Forums66 Topics128,187 Posts1,057,212 Members48,465 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 12 | I bought a Vintage Air Gen2 heater defrost unit for my '52 3600. The truck is still 6 volt, and although I plan on converting to 12V, I can't during winter months because of lack of a garage to work in. My question is, can I use an 12v converter, which only goes as high as 15A, or will I have to have an auxiliary 12v battery just to power this heater? Or does anybody have any other ideas? I REALLY want to start driving this truck to work, 60 miles round trip, because it is a blast!
I hate new trucks! My menagerie: 1952 Chevy 3800 "Ol' Blue '52" 1979 Chevy C-10 "Ol' Red" 1968 Triumph T100R
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,749 | The problem with a 6 volt system and a converter to 12 volts is the current limits. To get a dc to dc converter that would supply 15 amps would be some big dollars. You can run a Radio, I pod, GPS and other low power stuff but the fan motor will be too much load. It might be cheaper to convert to 12 Volt or buy a 6 volt fan motor. The conversion to 12 volts is rather simple. But it does mean lights, regulator if you go with a generator, Voltage reducer for the gas gauge and a ballast resistor for the coil and points. A battery will cost about 100 dollars so even that is not a cheap alternative. If you plan on converting any way, start getting the bits together and talk your way into a garage. Beer helps 
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | The old 6 volt blowers take 8 amps max. The same output at 12 volts would be 4 amps. Now I know the vintage air blower would be powerful but where did the 15 A come from? Does it have an electric heater? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 12 | The 15 amp is the converter, but the Vintage unit wants a 30amp fuse put inline to the battery, so I am sure it must draw more current than 15. Maybe I will just set a 12 volt battery on the floor, run the heater with that, and put it on the charger every night. Or just do without as I have the last two days I drove it to work!
I hate new trucks! My menagerie: 1952 Chevy 3800 "Ol' Blue '52" 1979 Chevy C-10 "Ol' Red" 1968 Triumph T100R
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 775 | 15A or 30A sounds way to high for a truck heater fan motor. Hook it up to a battery and try different fuses. Or if you have a current meter check. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | If you can't convert to 12 volts first, then maybe it would be easiest to slap a 6 volt heater in there for the winter. That would give you the winter to plan out the conversion, source parts and be ready for spring.
Dennis
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
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