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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 12v or 6v?

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Discussion Topic: 12v or 6v? -- page: 1 2

supereal

07-31-2012 @ 8:35 PM

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I know the Optima seems an extravagance, but it isn't what you pay, but how often you pay it ! I have one that I replaced after seven years in my convertible, and now we use it on the bench to test when six volts is required. I've had lots of common lead acid batteries over the past sixty years, but none lasted more than four years before a load test showed a steep loss in cold cranking power.

07-31-2012 @ 7:32 PM

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Henry,

Are these Group 2L batteries from NAPA and Tractor Supply? Can you give me the NAPA Part number? No Tractor Supply in my area.

Henryat1140

07-31-2012 @ 7:25 PM

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Hope it's not too late. . . (for you to spend $150 on a battery)

Napa has 6V batteries and I believe Tractor Supply as well.

We use the NAPA one, $92.00.

I'm with the other guys on retaining the 6V system.

Good advice has been given, especially the part about making/keeping ALL connections CLEAN, SHINY and TIGHT.

supereal

07-30-2012 @ 2:29 PM

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For those contemplating installing an alternator in place of the generator. avoid the common one wire type. They depend on residual magnetism to kick the unit on. Look for the two wire kind. One wire is the output to the battery, and the other connects to the coil side of the ignition switch. This will "wake up" the alternator immediately. Some modern cars also use a "sense" wire to the battery to trigger charging before the battery voltage declines.

butchbov

07-30-2012 @ 10:38 AM

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There's a ton of knowledge on this site & if you want answers to anything pertaining to Ford systems the way Henry built them this is the place to go. However, they focus on originality, so they won’t advocate changing those systems.

In my opinion if you want to maintain originality stay 6v, but if you think you'll want to modernize your car by adding things like a radio, A/C, etc, then go 12v.

I drive a 49 Ford Club Coupe w/flathead v8 & 12v system and haven’t had any problems in the 5 years since I converted. And I’m running the a stock 6v wiring harness and the starter, starter solenoid & starter button that were on the car when I bought it. I also have added AM/FM radio, A/C & LED brake lights w/blue dots.

As for the gauges, I run the stock gauges supplemented by aftermarket temp gauges in each head. The stock gauges are powered through a NAPA/Echlin IR1 voltage reducer that takes care of all them.

Here’s a list of bulbs.

Lamp___________________6v #__________12v #

Headlights_____________6006__________6014

Front turn signal______1154__________1157

Rear stop & turn_______1154__________1157

Interior courtesy______63____________97

License plate__________63____________97

Clock__________________55____________57

Heater control_________55____________57

Dash instruments_______55____________57

Inst. turn indicators__51____________53

Hi beam indicator______51____________53

I’m guessing, but I think you should be able to convert for around $200.00

I average about 8K miles/yr & just passed mile 37,000

Post your question over on http://www.shoeboxford.com/ & then compare your answers.

TomO

07-30-2012 @ 8:10 AM

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A 12v system is not more reliable than a 6v system.

Reliability depends upon the condition of the components of the car.

When you make any changes from stock, you are re-engineering the working parts of the car, so the reliability depends more on the engineering of the changes that the original design of the car.

You can find Optima 6v batteries for around $130, or you can go online and look for a group 2L battery for less.

Tom

planojc

07-30-2012 @ 7:27 AM

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I would stay with 6 volts, but swap the generator for a 6 volt alternator, especially if you have a BW overdrive. The alternator will solve any problems energizing the BW solenoid and you will also see an improvement in your headlights. Mac's has the 6v alternator kit.

supereal

07-29-2012 @ 5:05 PM

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Thanks. We have done conversions for years. The battery of choice here is the Optima red top six volt. For durability and power, they are unmatched.

Oldad

07-29-2012 @ 3:59 PM

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If it ain't broke don't fix it! Supereal gave you good advice for checking with a voltmeter. If you don't have a voltmeter may I suggest you buy one--it is an essential tool. May I also suggest you compare the original battery specs with the one installed in the car. Frequently I find "one size fits all" 6 volt batteries in cars that lack the cranking power of the original. The mass market auto parts stores may not have the battery you need but with a little searching you will find as good, or better, battery than the original

spqr67

07-29-2012 @ 3:38 PM

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Many thanks! After reading your explanation, seems even a novice like me could diagnose if its worth keeping the 6v system.
I hesitate asking thins but you've been a good sport so far...I need to change the battery in the car to a 6v before testing, correct? Want to be sure as its a $150 investment in a 6v battery

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