older 6v car, use 12v battery?
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Forum Name: General Discussion
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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=107958
Printed Date: May 06, 2024 at 10:11 AM
Topic: older 6v car, use 12v battery?
Posted By: impact9
Subject: older 6v car, use 12v battery?
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 5:47 AM
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.
Replies:
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 6:06 AM
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.
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 9:39 AM
What is your reasoning for wanting to install a 12vdc alternator?
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Kevin Pierson
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 1:26 PM
i am an idiot wrote:
Wow
??? ------------- Kevin Pierson
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 1:55 PM
He has a car with a 6 volt electrical system. He is wanting to install a 12V battery and alternator to keep the 12V battery charged. You asked why he wanted to install a 12V alternator. I don't know if you missed the battery part, or if you really want to know why he is wanting a 12V battery and alternator. My Crystal Ball is in the shop for repairs, but I think he is probably wanting to add some modern era electronics in the car. I was just shocked that you were having to ask "why".
Posted By: impact9
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 2:49 PM
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.
Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 2:56 PM
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.
Posted By: impact9
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 2:57 PM
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!
Posted By: impact9
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 3:01 PM
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.
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Possibly a Power inverter to power the Schumacher battery charger.
Posted By: impact9
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I'm thinking of getting one of these DC-DC converters https://www.powerstream.com/dc-1206-11.htm By my theory I can use the 12v alternator (already own) and 12v battery (easy to get) and use the converter to charge and power the 6v battery and components. I'll still have to bump the prices against a full 12v.
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: October 08, 2008 at 6:24 AM
With the engine at speed you need to check the voltage at the battery, it may be above 6.5 volts. Keep in mind that the upper limit of the supply you are looking at is 6.5 volts.
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: October 08, 2008 at 10:21 AM
impact9 wrote:
I'm thinking of getting one of these DC-DC converters https://www.powerstream.com/dc-1206-11.htm By my theory I can use the 12v alternator (already own) and 12v battery (easy to get) and use the converter to charge and power the 6v battery and components. I'll still have to bump the prices against a full 12v.
There is a difference between a "power supply" and a "battery charger". If you hooked your 6vdc battery up to a power supply chances are you will eventually over charge the battery and cause it to fail, or worse explode. To do what you want you need a 6vdc battery charger that operates off of 12vdc. If you wanted to completely eliminate the 6vdc battery it would be a bit easier, as you could then use a 6vdc power supply without worrying about damaging the battery. The only big downside to that is the fact that the power supply won't be 100% efficient so you won't be able to keep it on while the vehicle is off. You would need the power supply to come on when the ignition came on (so that you could power the starter) and be able to provide enough current to turn the starter. It may cost you a bit more up front, but I would think a full 12vdc upgrade would be beneficial in your situation. ------------- Kevin Pierson
Posted By: impact9
Date Posted: October 08, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Cool I see what your saying. I've been reading up and I think I'm going to go ahead a put the 12v battery and alternator in. Then just force feed the starter 12v till I get the solenoid replaced. I've pushed it a bit with 12v@6A with no ill effects so far and I've read on other sites of folks doing this with their cars. I'll look into 12v powered chargers or a use a relay on a power supply.
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