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| | | | Joined: Oct 2023 Posts: 327 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2023 Posts: 327 | Decided to go 12V with the 235 swap. I have my original 6V generator that I know works, and was recently serviced at a local shop. I also have the 12V generator that came with my '59 engine. It was a running engine, so I assume the generator is good, but I have no idea it's overall condition.
Deciding whether to convert the 6V generator, or use the 12V. Is there any disadvantage to using a converted 6V generator versus an actual 12V unit?
Not interested in an alternator despite it's advantages. I want to maintain the old look as much as possible.
Thanks! | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,065 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,065 | I think that converting a 6V generator to 12V would be more work (trouble) than just using a 12V generator, especially if you aready have one.
Not sure what would be involved with a 6-12V conversion, but I'm guessing it might require changing out all the guts from the 6V unit.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2023 Posts: 327 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2023 Posts: 327 | From the little bit of research I did, it seems the conversion is just a matter of changing the regulator and the fields. I need a new regulator in both cases anyway, so that's a wash. The reason for even considering the conversion versus the 12 volt gen is just knowing the condition of the 6V to be good versus the expense of having the 12V looked at by a local shop. Also just looking into this has made me curious about any possible downsides of doing a conversion on a 6V. | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,065 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,065 | I've rebuilt and tested a 6V generator and it isn't that hard. Instructions are in the shop manual. Here's the instructions for testing a generator on the bench. I'm not sure you could even swap out the field coils from the 12V to 6V generator, and that would assume they're good to start with. Just go with the 12V generator after you test it and confirm it's OK.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,795 | It takes a battery, a couple of pieces of wire, and about one minute to motor-test a generator. if it will "motor" it will also charge.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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