The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay questions / help re 12v conversion (switches / devices)

Hi everyone.

I have recently inherited my dads 1950 3100. It has a 1962 235 with a SM420 4sp trans. I know the engine did not come in it but I believe the trans did. There are a few upgrades I am going to apply when I get it out here to TN from Ca. Duel master cylinder, disc front,12v conversion and probably a radio. Other then that I will probably leave it alone. I had to play with (cut and splice) the wiring to get power to the proper places to get it to start and run. Needless to say I have a toggle switch acting in place of the key. With that said my most pressing question is:

Does anyone have or know of a list of switches/devices that need to be changed out for a 12v conversion?

I know and have researched some items. I.E. the starter is probably fine but the heater blower motor probably not. Bulbs yes. Headlamps yes. Fuel sending unit yes or convert to 6v. If there is not a list I'll just find out as it comes. Just hoping I can acquire everything before the Truck shows up.

Thank you

Dan

Nothing to worry about, we have a 12V conversion tip that covers what little there is to do. No need to change fuel sender. I recommend an alternator. Wait til you get it and we will answer all electrical questions. Heater motor probably needs swap. Gas gauge may need voltage reducer if still 6V or maybe a reducer. You will just have to do a look around it to see what all it has or does not have. We will get it working with key switch and etc.

Bart, do you mean THIS ONE -- "12 Volt Conversion" -- an oldie but a goodie (I hope).

Well apparently I am no detective. I passed right over the tech help section. The ignition needs to be replaced. The terminal was corroded out. I only get a couple days at a time to visit mom/family and work on the truck. In a town of 7,500 there isn't much on parts with out taking time to travel to another town. Agree on the alternator. I hope to get it here to TN in April. If there is anything else that I should probably do while converting I am all ears.

Don't beat yourself up. We have over 28 years worth of info in here. You might want to familiarize yourself with the SEARCH feature. And there is a great explanation on how to use each search type. Second post in that link by Rustoholic is very, very good step-by-step instructions to do an "advance search" in the forums. Saves you a lot of time.
Keep us posted.

Yes Peg

Dan, most are parts available from Truck-Only online vendors. USPS does all the work Don't start buying stuff yet. Just remember, with these old trucks, it's all about rust.
As reference: The motor is a "12V era" motor.


1. Rust
2. Title
3. Completeness
4. Nothing else matters except everything

I actually have a 2nd 235 engine coded the same year. Dad picked up a second one for some reason. The one in the truck runs perfect. As for rust there is not much considering the year. Some surface but really only the drivers corner rusted though where they used to carry wet rags and some bad spots in the bed. I concur about buying to much to fast. I have a 70 bronco that taught me that hard lesson.

Would a 13 circuit harness be all I should need or go ahead with the 21? I doubt I'll ever put air in the truck. Maybe electric wipers if the vacuums tick me off.

Suggestion 1 Free Ship

Suggestion 2 Free Ship

"Tennessee" is 100 miles north/south and 400 miles east/west. Any information you can provide about "where" might be helpful. Several of us who have been here a while live in the Volunteer State. I'm about 60 miles south of Nashville, close to the Alabama state line. There are also bolters in the Crossville, Knoxville, and other areas who might be able to lend a hand if you get into a bind on something. Have fun!
Jerry

I am pretty close to dead center of TN in Smyrna. I have a mechanic friend that is in LaVergne. He has a 53 Deluxe with a 216ci and 73 Nova soon to have a 383ci.

bartamos

I was looking at almost the same wire harness. Thanks for the suggestion.

We're pretty close, then- - - -I'm just south of US 64, between Pulaski and Fayetteville- - - -near I-65. Coffee ( or something stronger) is on me if you want to do a meet & greet sometime. Archie ("46 Texaco") is a little east of us near Crossville. He's got a very nicely restored 46 pickup that's been in his family for 50+ years. We did a valve job on it after it blew a head gasket last fall.
Jerry

Just4Fun, you are now at the "un-moderated stage" so with your next post, you can PM Hotrod Lincoln to see about a "Mini-Meet."

Cool Deal

Dan,
Where in Calif is it coming from? Already departed? My '50 also has a '62 235 motor + sm420.