older 6v car, use 12v battery?

I have a older car that I would like to put in a 12v alternator and a 12 volt battery in and at the same time keep the 6 volt battery to keep the rest of the car's electrical original. My goal is to provide 6 volt charging power from the 12v battery  to the 6v battery. I'm hoping to find something I can plug and play with out any building if possible.

Is there room to add an alternator, leave the generator and make a complete and separate 12 volt system. Assuming it is a negative ground vehicle.

What is your reasoning for wanting to install a 12vdc alternator?Kevin Pierson

i am an idiot wrote: Wow

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Kevin Pierson

I want the 12v battery since I'd like to add aftermarket electronics. Also the jump start issue- If I get a dead battery while away chances of getting a 6v boost will be near impossible. But I could take the 12v let it trickle charge the 6v for a jump. Now this car is a 1949 Cadillac I can jump start it off 6v@6A with a little effort. I've done this several times off my small Schumacher charger. So if there is a converter out there that can handle say 10 amps of pull that would be fantastic.

Hi impact9, I know you may not be looking for this answer, but, if you just replace your 6v system with a 12v one, your bulbs will only burn brighter and have a shorter life and all of them can easily be changed now or when they burn out to their 12v versions. your starter is going to spin faster also. it will have a little shorter life span as well. I'm not sure about where you live, but in my town, there is a place that is a specialist in rebuilding magnetos, alternators, coils, and starters of any size shape and type. they take many of these older 6v starters after they are run on a 12v system and finally wear our, and rebuild them to run on a 12v system. and then there are guys i've talked to who say thiers just turns faster and they have never had a problem. but i know thats not keeping your electrical system original. just a thought though my friend.

Oh I don't really want to add a second alternator because the visual look of the engine will be a good step away from the original design. But I can relatively easily hide the additional battery and down dress a replacement 12v alternator, somewhat. Yea I know, if I could replace everything that needed to be replaced when doing a complete 6v to 12v conversion and still maintain that classic look with out breaking the bank then I'd be ecstatic!

ckeeler wrote: Hi impact9, I know you may not be looking for this answer, but, if you just replace your 6v system with a 12v one, your bulbs will only burn brighter and have a shorter life and all of them can easily be changed now or when they burn out to their 12v versions. your starter is going to spin faster also. it will have a little shorter life span as well. I'm not sure about where you live, but in my town, there is a place that is a specialist in rebuilding magnetos, alternators, coils, and starters of any size shape and type. they take many of these older 6v starters after they are run on a 12v system and finally wear our, and rebuild them to run on a 12v system. and then there are guys i've talked to who say thiers just turns faster and they have never had a problem. but i know thats not keeping your electrical system original. just a thought though my friend.

Thanks I'll give a call around and see what I can find out here in Wichita KS. There are a few alternator shops, maybe they can do the rest as well and not charge me a arm and a leg. Still would love to keep the 12v to 6v hp converter on the table.