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

looking for step by step instructions for converting my '54 3100 from 6v to 12v. electicity isnt my forte, so I'm wary of burning my truck to ground. can anyone point me in the right direction? i realize this is a relatively simple procedure, I've just never done it. thanks.

well there really oughta be a tech tip on that around here, but I guess nobodies written one yet!

I can give you a start, but there'll be specifics you need to work out - need to replace all light bulbs w/ 12v, get a 12v generator and regulator, or an alternator, a 12v coil, and either put dropping resistors on some gauges [ammeter and fuel at least] and the heater fan motor, or replace same w/ 12v items - starter can be left as is, and the original wires [if in good shape] will be fine w/ 12v

while you're chewing on that, someone else who's done it will come along and expand on it - I never bothered, just switched my 46 to a 6v alternator, and never had any problems w/ the 6v thereafter

Bill

Additional information can be found by going to the "Tech Tips" link at the top of this page. In the Electrical section is information from the Inliners International website.

Tim

thanks guys. yea, the wiring's good, the previous owner put in a new harness, but didnt convert it to 12v. is there a preference for either the alternator or gen/reg? does it matter?

crosleyfield,

1. An alternator is probably more reliable and more powerful.

2. 6v alternator is expensive; 12v alternators are relatively low-priced.

3. Alternators can provide more current and generate more current at lower revolutions.

4. Generators look original.

Usually a person converting to 12v (and who does not have a working 12v alternator) will change to an alternator. Search this forum on "alternator" to find out about mounting them and wiring them (and selecting a one, two, or three-wire alternator). Also, read about internal vs external voltage regulators for alternators.

Ask questions - there are a lot of people on this site with a lot of experience and a wide variety of opinions on how to deal with alternators on these old trucks.

Tim

You need to order a copy of The Official 12-Volt Conversion Guide which is a simple step by step guide on how to do your conversion. It is still just ten dollars post paid ordered from Fifth Avenue and many of the vendors list ed on the source page. Best investment you will ever make....Randy

go to tech tips then go down to electrical bay its right there very easy to convert and its on this site all your dealing with is 3 wires tech tips is at the top of this page