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DWD 11-29-2006 15:12:06 4.255.0.197 22452 Report to Moderator	I have a 48 ford F-5 with a flathead 6. Is there any way to switch from a generator 6 volt to an alternator 12 volt? Lights and gauges are all 6 volt? [Reply]  [Send Email]
jerrycpp (WA) 11-29-2006 17:55:56 216.178.55.128 22455 Report to Moderator	Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to DWD, 11-29-2006 15:12:06   Any GOOD parts store or automotive electric supplier will have or can get a one-wire 12 volt alternator. You may have to change a few things to mount it, but often your supplier will also have available a universal bracket kit. The one wire just goes to (or through, if it's the old style guage) and to the battery. No muss, no fuss. Otherwise, as the other replies state, change or regulate the other stuff.   [Reply]  [Send Email]
MBF 12-02-2006 05:22:29 24.44.7.169 22482 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to jerrycpp (WA), 11-29-2006 17:55:56   I've done a 6-12 alternator conversion on my 36 plym, and 52 dodge. You'll need to change all of the bulbs and put resisters in any motor circuits (wiper and heater motors). I had a 49 Ford F-5 awhile ago-if I remember correctly both the oil and temp guages were electric-not mechanical. Make sure you put the approriate resistor inline to avoid frying the guages. Good luck   [Reply]  [Send Email]
DWD 11-30-2006 05:58:49 4.255.3.245 22457 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to jerrycpp (WA), 11-29-2006 17:55:56   If I installed the alternator as suggested would I still go pos ground? Also, would I need to switch the coil to 12 volt?   [Reply]  [Send Email]
jerrycpp (WA) 11-30-2006 11:56:01 216.178.56.2 22467 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to DWD, 11-30-2006 05:58:49   Yes, you'll have to switch to NEGATIVE GROUND. The positive ground was one of Ford's early "better ideas" and was supposed to eliminate corrosion at the battery terminal. The only thing other than switching the cables is that you'll have to reverse the wires on the ammeter (or change the direction if it's the old pass-through type) and switch the small terminals on the coil. It's easy to do, and you'll love the new alternator. By the way, I've purchased 6 volt one-wire alternators. I have one on my '48 GMC, one on a '48 8N Ford, and one on my '49 TO-20 Ferguson. They all work perfectly.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Rustyfarmall 11-30-2006 06:49:32 207.32.13.228 22459 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to DWD, 11-30-2006 05:58:49   All alternator systems MUST be NEGATIVE ground.   [Reply]  [Send Email]
Oldmax 12-05-2006 06:39:13 24.154.145.248 22541 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 06:49:32   You might want to go with a three wire alt some times the one wire is irratic ."hve to rev up engine to start charging . If you do you have to eather use res on wire that goes to Idot light or use idot light for alt to work right .   [Reply]  [Send Email]
Kent of SW MO 11-30-2006 09:44:30 12.178.152.6 22465 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 06:49:32   One of the "over the road tractor companies" are still positve ground and use alternators. It may be PETE. Mack was at one time but I think they switched to negative grd. Big truck alternators have both a positve and negative posts so you can pick you ground polarity. I do not know WHY any one would want to stay with positve grd. as almost all modern electronic is designed for negative grd. You can run a switching power supply from the postive grd. system and them run your electronic from the switching supply. Kent   [Reply]  [Send Email]
Bobj49f2 11-29-2006 16:37:14 66.97.113.181 22453 Report to Moderator	Re: 48 Ford generator in reply to DWD, 11-29-2006 15:12:06   I have seen it done. I don't think it would be all that hard as long as you can fabricate a bracket to hold the alternator. As far as wiring, as long as your wiring is in good condition, which I doubt if it's the original wire, it will be able to carry the current of the 12 volt system without a problem. It will be heavier than a 12 volt system because you will be pulling less current. You will have to use drop resistors before all your dash components and other items like the heater motor so you don't burn them out. You can easily change all the lights to 12 volt equivalents.   [Reply]  [Send Email]