How to Do 12 Volt Conversions on Classic Cars
In today's world of cookie-cutter car design, the bold sweeping lines of yesterday's vehicles are nothing short of beautiful. Another aspect of the classic automobile that most collectors and restorers alike will agree upon is the charging system. The old six-volt systems simply leave a thing or two to be desired, particularly in the lighting department. However, there are fixes to examine.
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Things You'll Need
- Wrenches
- Screw driver
- Battery (12-volt)
- Light bulbs (12-volt)
- Gauges (optional)
- Coil (12-volt)
- Condenser (12-volt)
- Alternator (12-volt)
- Starter (12-volt)
- Windshield wiper motor (12-volt)
Instructions
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1
Park the vehicle on a flat hard surface and apply the parking brake. Open the hood.
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2
Disconnect the battery cable ends with a wrench and lift the battery out of its mounting location. Some vehicles will have a battery hold-down strap that you will remove with a wrench to allow removal of the battery.
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3
Remove the original light bulbs from the head, tail and interior locations (also the turn signals if so equipped). Turn the screws with a screwdriver to remove the light fixtures, twisting bulbs to remove them, and replace them with a 12-volt equivalent bulb. Replace the cover.
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4
Remove the coil from its mounting bracket by loosening the bolt from the mount. Disconnect the wires from the top of the coil with a wrench and place them on the new 12-volt coil. Place the new coil into the mounting bracket and tighten the mounting bolt.
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5
Replace the condenser. Remove the distributor cap with a screwdriver. Remove the condenser by loosening the mounting screw with a screw driver, and replace it with a 12-volt condenser. Tighten the mounting screw and replace the cap.
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6
Remove the old alternator (or generator) by loosening the bolts with a wrench and replace it with a 12-volt alternator. Remove the wires from the rear of the old alternator and replace them on the new alternator. Tighten all the bolts.
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7
Remove the old starter with a wrench and disconnect the wires. Replace it with a new 12-volt starter and place wires on the new starter. Tighten all the bolts.
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8
Replace the windshield wiper motor. Remove the old wiper motor with a wrench and replace it with a new 12-volt wiper motor. Tighten the bolts.
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9
Place the new 12-volt battery into its mounting location and reinstall the battery cables, making sure to connect the positive (+) cable end to the positive (+) side of the battery and the negative (-) cable end to the negative (-) side of the battery. Replace the mounting strap (if so equipped) and tighten the bolt with a wrench.
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10
Turn the key and start the engine. Check to ensure the dash gauges are working. Check all the lights. Turn the engine off and close the hood.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to add performance gauges to your vehicle, now is the time to do it.
Always make sure the battery is disconnected prior to doing any electrical work on your vehicle.
