Convert from 6 to 12 Volts
Continued

Heater and Wiper motors will need a heavy load, ceramic dropping resistor. Mount the resistor in the engine area, as it will emit a lot of heat. Buy a good one, big, with a good ceramic heat sink. Any NAPA dealer can supply this item as well as many of the vintage parts suppliers for around $45.00. 

This particular part is made by Echlin and the part number is VT6187. Tie your motor leads to this resistor and use the proper size wire for the loads you are running. If you can handle the expense, you may want to replace the old heater and wiper motors with new 12 volt models. Replacement of these motors will save you time and the need to rewire. 

STARTING SYSTEM

This part is probably the easiest. If you have a starting solenoid for your starter, change it to 12 volts. The 6 volt starter will work fine on 12 volts, in most cases better. It is hard sometimes to find 12 volt starters for older some older vehicles, so if you have to replace a worn starter, there is no problem replacing it with using an original 6 volt starter.

Positive ground starters present problems in some cases. If you cannot find a negative ground starter that will fit your application, you may need to seek out a good auto electrical repair shop to have the motor leads reversed.  You can do this your self, but if you are not confident in your work, seek professional help.

You will need to add a ceramic ballast resister to your 6 volt ignition coil. A firewall mounted resistor, such as thoughts use on early 12 volt GM products are the easiest. These resistors are available from Napa Auto Parts for about $10.00.( Napa Part Echlin ICR-13) The resistor is installed inline on the 12 volts supply to the distributor dropping the ignition voltage to 6 volts.

LIGHTING SYSTEM

This area too, is pretty straight forward and is really here just as a reminder. Remember to change your Headlamps, Map, Courtesy, Brake, Turning and Parking lamps. One thing I really like to do when going 12 volts, is to use Halogen Headlight lamps and bright bulbs in the Brake & Turning lamps. Original Brake and Turning lamps are usually pretty small as far as today’s standards are concerned and bright bulbs really help you be seen at night. Halogen Headlights will also greatly improve your night vision and get rid of that old yellow look associated with older vehicles. CTS

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