The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 12 volt conversion

Hi,
I just got my new "49" 3100 one month ago. She had a rebuilt 235 installed about 5 years ago. Still 6 volt. Question.. the 63 year old cloth/wiring harness is crumbling in my hands when trying to accomplish simple tasks, has lots of bare wires... Should I convert to 12 volt before my minor paint and body work? #2 Anyone have a good guess on what this well cost my sons college fund... I am figuring $1,000? any suggestions??
Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

1. What electrical items will you want in your truck? Will you want "modern convenience" 12v items, or will you only have 6v items as used originally?

2. Do you want original-style braided-covering wiring (used through 1953) or is plastic covered wiring OK (as used from 12954 onwards)?

Hi Tim,

The only new item might be a radio. My truck has an old disconnected spotlight,cow horn and fan, otherwise pretty much all original. I have no intention of placing any modern items on it. The wiring is the original-style braided-covering.I will be OK with any modern wiring. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom

Tom,

This Classic Parts harness is good quality at a good price.

The radio is an accessory that had its own lead (it was not in the original harness). It would be an easy add-on (hot lead and dash lamp lead).

A spotlight was also an add-on accessory. What kind of fan (heater fan)? That was also an add-on accessory.

This will explain how accessories were installed.

I'd stick with 6v unless you need 12v accessories. A 6v radio might be hard to find; but, a 6v to 12v converter strong enough for a non-boomer radio is not expensive.

Thank you,
I will look into the radio suggestion. The fan is a non-heater/old blade type (looks like bakelite, with on/off switch on back.I think I'll save the $$ for some original type tires-wheels. Previous owner put funky looking mags on it. In your opinion should I get a modern 6v wiring system/cover?
Tom

Tom,

As long as you do not mind the plastic coated wiring (which I use on my 54s - which was originally plastic coated), go with the plastic. Since a 6v system needs thicker wiring than a 12v system, and the Classic parts harness is made for 6v, it will work fine with 12v.

Just an FYI the harnesses sold by YNZ are cloth braided over PVC so you get both benefits, original appearance of braided cloth and the modern dependability of PVC insulation.

Tom,

Tiny is, of course, right about YNZ wiring. Rhode Island Wiring is another source of "correct" appearance harnesses that have plastic coated wires inside the original appearance braided coverings (they will hit the college fund for about $350-$400 more than the non-original style cost of about $150).

"Anyone have a good guess on what this well cost my sons college fund... I am figuring $1,000? any suggestions?? "

$800-$1,000 would be a good estimate, if you convert to 12v and go for the original looking harness, with original looking accessory wires. For 12v you'd need some combination of generator/alternator/regulator, starter, coil, bulbs, and gauge/accessory resistors.

Hi,
You both make valid points! Why fix or replace it if its not totally broken (just a few bare wires)? I like the idea of remaining with the 6 volt braided-covering even if it is hiding more modern plastic wiring. My 16 yr. old son is planning on OCS so I/we can take the college fund hit!. I am new to this game so please school me... What should I ask for from the Rhode Island Wiring company??? Maybe I should add that I am an older truck guy with limited expertise. Thanks again-Tom (NFG)

I've not dealt with Rhode Island Wiring personally but checking their on line catalog to compare prices with YNZ I found them to be a bit more expensive for the harness on my '38. Plus the folks at YNZ provided me excellent customer service.