Changing from 6 Volt to 12 Volt System

BULBS
All bulbs must be changed to 12 volt. RON FRANCIS WIRING has bulbs available in higher candle­power for brighter and safer illumination. We carry most applications for exterior lights. This includes SUPER BRITE HEADLIGHT BULBS for vehicles older than 1940.

6 VOLT GAUGES
If you are keeping original gauges, you need a VR-1 electronic voltage reducer listed on this page. Mechanical gauges only need 12 volt bulbs. You must use the original sender with the old gauge(s).

REVERSED POLARITY
Reversed polarity is not a problem. We have never seen a 6 volt gauge that you could not simply hook
up to our reducer and be fine.

6 VOLT HEATER AND WIPERS
Heaters need our VR-4 unit is capable of handling 15 a amp load. Sorry, we have never been able to find any records of what your unit draws. Our supplier does not accept returns on these voltage reducers. Wiper motors hardly seem worth a voltage reducer. Replacement 12 volt units are easily available.

6 VOLT RADIOS AND CLOCKS
Radios can be fun. Positive ground radios are impossible to use. Clocks usually respond well to the voltage reducers, except accuracy is marginal.

CONVERTING THE ORIGINAL ENGINE
The six volt starter can stay. Install the new 12 volt battery and solenoid. This might shorten the starter's life some but not enough to notice. Update your distributor by using a 12 volt coil and condenser from a mid-60's GM engine. The points themselves just need new ones for maximum life.

ORIGINAL ENGINE NOW, BUT PLANNING A SWAP IN THE FUTURE?
Convert the original motor to an alternator now. Use the model you want on the new engine. We can help with this. Just leave slack in the wires to the engine components for adjustment after the new engine is in place. RON FRANCIS WIRING does not recommend the use of a generator even after swapping for a 12 volt model. Brackets are available to allow a GM integral alternator to mount and adjust on a flathead.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? PLEASE CALL.
If you want to get more serious than this, please call our tech line 866-330-1933. Our order takers are limited on this information.

CONVERT YOUR STOCK 6V WIRE HARNESS TO 12 VOLTS!
If you want a very simple way to upgrade to 12 volts for reliability, you will be thrilled with the way you can use your favorite antique without tearing up the body. Based on our Original Bare Bonz System on pg. A 11 of our catalog.

Start faster. Brighter lights

12V generator or alternator - PLEASE SPECIFY

Replace frayed wires. Add accessories

Keep stock appearance. No extra battery in the trunk

Add turn signals - PLEASE SPECIFY COLUMN

Get to drive! . Insurance against breakdowns

CK-540 12 volt replacement.

If you are keeping original 6 volt gauges, radio, wiper or heater, use one or more of the reducers below.

Voltage Reducers
VR-1 For use with gauges up to 1.5 amp total
VR-4 For use up to 15 amps continuous