Classic/Antique Car Repair: voltage conversion for 54 ford, volt system, 1954 ford crestline

Question
I have a 1954 Ford Crestline, which originally had a six volt system. It now has a later model engine and ignition to fit twelve volts. But, the rest of the guages and radio are on six vol;ts. Is ther a regulator or converter for that sytem that is universal?

Answer
 JIM :
     HI  well I think what you are asking me is - can you convert the rest of the gauges, lights,etc. to work as a 6 volt system, or can it be converted to run on 12 volt lamps and gauges. I do know that you can/could get a resistor to run in line with the  12 volt wire going to the 6 volt part,lamp,gauge,etc. and you can reduce it down to that of a 6 (six) volt input as the resistor would take the 12 volts and knock it down to six volts. but I do not know the size or sizes you will need, you can get A chart that converts the voltage and it will tell you the resistor to use. it is real cheep to do it this way. BUT on the other hand you can get a kit that would allow you to switch your entire system over to that of a 12 volt system , this I think would be the best way to go about it.You will just have to change your bulbs to that of a 12 volt size. and than you can get all new gauges if you wish, and I think you could even still use the old 6 volt gauges with a resistor to knock the 12 volts down to 6 volts. I would take a look at ( jc whitney . com ) as they carry all that stuff and tell them I told you.  OK ...>>>>><