 Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 64
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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08-19-08 08:45 PM - Post#1503322
A BIG Thanks to Bob Hayden for his hard work on this: 
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/miscellaneous...
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 RadioGuy
"10th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 252
Loc: Victoria BC Canada
Reg: 12-24-01
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04-24-09 12:26 PM - Post#1684158
In response to Smokey
I am thinking you are going to have to do a lot more to your 6 volt tube radio than just replace the dial bulb! I know in the old days you would try to drop the voltage to the radio with a heavy duty resistor but I certainly don't recommend that today. There are qualified people who can convert your 6 volt radio to a 12 volt radio. You have two chcices.
Antique Automobile Radio in Florida http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/
has an extensive dealer network that can install their 12 volt FM conversion internally. This is a high quality product that allows you to run a stock or custom speaker configuration. Everything internally is removed except the antenna input and the tuner. Exterior look remains completely stock. Costs run $400 - $500.
The second alternative is to find a radio service centre that is fully qualified to convert the radio to 12 volt and maintain it as a tube radio. There are several things that must be done including changing the vibrator and transformer. Most 6 voilt tubes have a 12 volt equivalent but there are load differences and the new tubes usually need to be balanced with an additional resistor or two to perform to peak capability. Cost is likely in the same range as the conversion, more if the radio is original and needs some up-grading to modern capacitors etc.
Actually a third alternative would be to buy a repro radio from Antique Automobile or one of their dealers.
formerly "seshea"
Stephen Shea
Victoria BC
1957 Belair 2 dr hdtp |
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6079
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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05-05-09 02:31 PM - Post#1691847
In response to RadioGuy
go with the voltage steep down for a couple of bucks and they sell fm converters for abot $30.00 that just plug in your anteni wire and tuck under dash  or buy an am/fm/cd sterio they sell $35.00 up and stike it in glove box or under dash don't just waste your money unless your building a 100 point show car
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
Edited by arnieg141 on 05-05-09 02:50 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Royer
Needs to Get Out More Member
Posts: 11411
Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michiga...
Reg: 09-25-01
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05-12-09 10:14 AM - Post#1696316
In response to Smokey
Had you considered the alternative of a small six-volt motorcycle/lawn tractor battery in the trunk just for powering the radio? Much cheaper than any of the alternatives mentioned so far, and charging with a trickle charger once a month or so should be plenty.
Royer
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 Keith_Knox
Moderator and "10th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2718
Age: 71
Loc: Napa, Ca USA
Reg: 04-02-00
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 05-12-09 08:59 PM - Post#1696675
In response to Royer
Good to see you post Royer.
People have been wondering where you were.
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe Purchased 6/2010.
1996 Chevy Monte Carlo
2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
2013 F150 Crew Cab |
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chaimv
Forum Newbie
Posts: 38
Reg: 11-27-08
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05-30-09 02:31 PM - Post#1707625
In response to Keith_Knox
Hi Guys
I was wondering can i use the origional ignition swith and starer button from my 6V system when i do the conversion to 12V or do i need a new swithc
thanks
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6079
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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05-30-09 02:35 PM - Post#1707629
In response to chaimv
YES ON BOTH
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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Bob_Hayden
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 5736
Age: 66
Loc: Indianapolis, In. USA
Reg: 07-17-01
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 05-30-09 08:26 PM - Post#1707854
In response to arnieg141
LOL Yes, on using the original ignition switch and button. No you don't need a new switch.
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6079
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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05-30-09 11:45 PM - Post#1707923
In response to Bob_Hayden
what he said
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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chaimv
Forum Newbie
Posts: 38
Reg: 11-27-08
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05-31-09 07:29 AM - Post#1707997
In response to arnieg141
thanks
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WARCOY99
Member
Posts: 22
Loc: ROUND ROCK,TX
Reg: 07-08-05
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06-05-09 11:52 AM - Post#1711615
In response to chaimv
DO you have a diagram of the wiring for a 6 to 12 volt? my car works fine, but i have to unhook the battery or the battery dies when off. I;m not sure what it is but its not that anything is left on.
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raycow
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 14058
Age: 70
Loc: San Francisco, CA, USA
Reg: 11-26-02
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06-05-09 04:39 PM - Post#1711765
In response to WARCOY99
Disconnect your alternator when you shut the engine off, including the plug-in connector, and see what happens then.
Ray
| Live more responsibly. Eat lower on the food chain. Eat vegetarians. |
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KaelFarmer
Senior Member
Posts: 836
Loc: Eau Claire, WI
Reg: 03-28-02
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07-01-09 10:15 AM - Post#1727103
In response to raycow
To get your car to stop running when turning off the ignition switch, use a DA plug for the alternator. It looks like the standard plug for the alternator, except it has a diode built into the excitor wire. Many aftermarket retailer sell them for about $20, but if you have a starter/ alternator rebuilding service locally you can probably get one for about $10.
It will have 2 wires (one red with a ring terminal and either a black or yellow one). Connect the ring terminal to the battery post on the back of the alternator. Connect the other wire to a switched positive conection (positive terminal of the coil works well)
Kael
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WARCOY99
Member
Posts: 22
Loc: ROUND ROCK,TX
Reg: 07-08-05
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07-01-09 11:41 AM - Post#1727155
In response to raycow
thanks i'll try it...sorry for the delay but i never got noticed that you replied.
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OLD CAR
Senior Member
Posts: 572
Loc: OREGON
Reg: 05-29-01
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10-16-09 12:15 PM - Post#1789314
In response to arnieg141
I use a volt-a drop which is a now called a "voltage reducer" One wire off the battery to the unit mounted in front of the radiator on a bracket to disapate the heat when Iam driving and then a wire to a fuse and then to the radio and that been working great for years now.
www.fillingstation.com #FS-129.
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 54infrance
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 10
Loc: france brittany florida n...
Reg: 02-27-10
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03-08-10 12:59 PM - Post#1876255
In response to OLD CAR
Do you need to change anything on the convertible motor or switch when going from 6 to 12v?
Chris Jones
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ChrisQ
Forum Newbie
Posts: 48
Loc: Washington, DC
Reg: 12-11-09
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03-18-10 11:36 AM - Post#1882233
In response to 54infrance
This is probably dumb question. I have a marine battery in belair right now. Is that bad? Is there a paticular 12Volt battery I should be getting?
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6079
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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04-21-10 01:10 AM - Post#1902198
In response to ChrisQ
MUST READ ON GAS GAUGE http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/tech_tips/te...
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
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OLD CAR
Senior Member
Posts: 572
Loc: OREGON
Reg: 05-29-01
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05-15-10 04:41 PM - Post#1915417
In response to 54infrance
I dont think so use a seperate wire from the voltage reducer run it through a switch and than the top motor it will have a circuit of its own.
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ralph47
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2335
Age: 62
Loc: wadsworth, ohio
Reg: 10-28-08
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05-15-10 05:18 PM - Post#1915448
In response to OLD CAR
watch using a voltage reducer with a high amp load like that...12v to that motor may not hurt it
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BIGDADDY5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 05-24-10
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 05-24-10 09:39 PM - Post#1920201
In response to ralph47
I'm new here and new to fixing up cars. I have no idea what i'm doing. I want to rewire a 1949 fleetline from a 6v to a 12v. can you tell me where to start.
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ralph47
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2335
Age: 62
Loc: wadsworth, ohio
Reg: 10-28-08
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05-25-10 05:47 AM - Post#1920276
In response to BIGDADDY5
start with the other posts here..and pay attention to gas gauge postings.
12 v generator and regulator..although it seems a lot when changing to 12v switch to internal regulated alternator. of course all the bulbs, radio voltage reducer..maybe a 12v starter solenoid..not all change...starter motor should be ok, some say heater motor will be fine too...don't quote me on that though.
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BIGDADDY5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 05-24-10
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05-25-10 09:58 AM - Post#1920375
In response to ralph47
Thanks
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johnnymv1
Forum Newbie
Posts: 66
Age: 28
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
Reg: 04-15-11
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06-05-11 01:01 AM - Post#2099490
In response to ralph47
So im getting started on my 12v conversion and i have a couple questions. First of all im keeping the generator getting it converted to 12v to keep the original look so heres my questions does my 54 belair have a ballast resistor and if so where is it, I need a 12v coil with an internal ballast resistor does anyone have a part number for me? also need the part number for a 12v voltage regulator Or can i just use the parts from a 55 belair? I know you fine getelmen can help thanks in advance.
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h0tr0d18
Forum Newbie
Posts: 77
Loc: Fort Mcmurray, Alberta
Reg: 02-28-11
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06-07-11 07:58 AM - Post#2100434
In response to johnnymv1
Did you ever get an answer on this johnny? I am looking to convert my 53 to 12V and I have a 12V generator, just curious if I need anything else to run that generator?
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 Dean50
"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 681
Loc: Michigan
Reg: 01-02-07
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06-08-11 04:27 PM - Post#2101114
In response to johnnymv1
I'm sure you can use any generic 12V stuff. My car was 12V when I got it and has a small coil with internal ballast and Delco-Remy 12V voltage regulator. I would think any NAPA or such would have the parts. The list at the beginning of the thread is pretty thorough.
Good luck. Don't forget about changing all your bulbs, flasher etc.
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OldJules
Forum Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 05-27-10
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07-24-11 09:50 AM - Post#2117422
In response to Royer
I would sure like to hear of a good solution to the gas gauge problem in the 6V to 12V swap. I'm aware of the voltage reducer. I had a reducer on mine and it apparently burned out or whatever they do and allowed 12V to the reciever, so now the reciever shows full all the time, I assume it's shot. Does the 6V sender work if I have the receiver converted to 12V.
Edited by OldJules on 07-24-11 10:05 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Zombie Dave
Member
Posts: 178
Age: 45
Loc: Wichita, Kansas
Reg: 08-20-05
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09-26-11 07:20 PM - Post#2141184
In response to OldJules
Is this the same for 52 Chevy conversion ? I have a 52 and it's been converted. I'm just not sure yet that all the steps were taken and parts were swapped. Fuel gauge doesn't work and something is draining the battery.
1952 Chevy Styleline Deluxe Sport Coupe
1956-1962 235 Engine ( I think )
Looking for automatic transmission/steering column |
Edited by ratrod67 on 09-26-11 07:21 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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worthop
Forum Newbie
Posts: 1
Loc: N.Y.C.
Reg: 11-08-11
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11-08-11 08:48 PM - Post#2156009
In response to Zombie Dave
I think I may be missing something regarding the headlight wiring....it looks like the headlight harness is connected to the Batt terminal of the voltage regulator....what did you guys do with that?
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Rukee
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 02-01-12
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02-01-12 12:35 PM - Post#2185960
In response to worthop
Hey guys, first post, please bare with me.
Have a `49 Deluxe 4dr here that someone put in a 350 csb w/single wire alternator. Trying to convert the system to 12v, have all the bulbs swapped but don't know were to put the reducer for the gas gauge. I can hardly see behind the dash at all!! Is there a convenient location to wire it in?? Also the parts list showed a IR4 from NAPA for the gas gauge, but it's discontinued, they gave me a IR1 instead, is that going to be an issue?
Edited by Rukee on 02-01-12 12:36 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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