QuestionHi. I recently inherited a 1929 Model A after my dad passed away. I have had the car since Nov. 2009, and about a month ago I finally got her running again by replacing all electrical components (points, coil, condensor, plugs, etc) and a lot of reading on the Internet.
Now that I have the car running good, I am interested in converting from the 6 volt to the 12 volt electrical system but I am not sure what this task would consist of in terms of what would need to be replaced.
Can you point me in the direction of any websites, online documentation, or other reference materials that may guide me through this process? Some have suggested that the original starter and generator will handle the 12 volt system without being replaced/upgraded, but I want to be 100% sure before I start the 6v to 12v upgrade process.
Thank you for your time and advice. Stan
AnswerI am from Hammond, La. Now, on the 12 volt system, I am against the conversion. A friend of mine in our club is converting to 12 volt so he can use heated seats and so his 12 volt CB radio will work better. I see no need for it. An A does just fine with a 6 volt system. I have two and they always start and run very good. I can help you get yours running like it should, but if you insist on the conversion, I'll tell you what I know. You will need a 12v. alternator. It looks just like the 6 volt, but the gen. will not do the job. If you stay with the 6v system, you should put an alternator 6v, on the car. I understand that the starter will be OK with 12v applied to it. change all the light bulbs. You have to put in a resistor in the coil circuit. Call Snyders, 330-549-5313 and they will tell you what you need and sell you all the parts.
That's about it. I sure hope you don't convert to 12v. Keep the A the way Henry built it, except for the 6v alternator. Get the mechanics handbook by Les Andrews from Snyders for about $35. Get only the red book, although, I think the green book may have a chapter on the 12v. system conversion. Not sure. Ask them. I had a green book and sold it. It was all about conversions that I don't agree with.
Join an A club if you can find one near you. You will have a lot more fun with your car. Also, go to blurb.com and search for jackbahm. I have a book there on line that you can read. You don't have to buy it. Look at all the stuff I have written about the A in answering the many questions I have received. Join MARC also.
Lets get your car running good before you start changing it. Good luck and let me know how you make out.
jack
