Six to Eight Volt Conversion

[Ohjai]

I have noticed that several cars have been converted to 8 Volt systems.  What needs to be changed to bring one of these back to a 6 Volt system.

Thanks

Jim

[TJ Hopland]

I'm no expert on these conversions but I believe all that is usually done is a slight tweak to the voltage regulator to raise the voltage slightly.    If that was all that was done just swap the battery back and check/reset the regulator.   You will also likely have to fix whatever the original problem that caused someone to use the band aid fix of the 8v in the first place. 

[Ohjai]

Thanks TJ

[2manycars]

One of the problems that comes up with 6V systems is the use of 12V battery cables. Proper battery cables for a 6V car are MUCH larger than on a 12V car. I had a 55 Ford that still had the original cables on it, albeit in degrading condition. They were about twice as thick as those on my later cars, and the wire strands were very fine, not coarse like house wiring. That car ALWAYS fired right up, no matter the conditions, outside temperature, etc, and it turned over fast, not sluggish. 55 Fords are 6V.

Welding cables make terrific 6V battery cables. There are also companies that make custom battery cables.

[bcroe]

A 6V system needs about 4 times the copper in wiring to achieve the same
performance, and all connections need to be 1/4 the resistance compared
to a 12V.  I see 8V conversions as a kluge to overcome failure to meet the
above, welcome to burned out incandescent lights.  Bruce Roe

[Coupe]

I've had a few 6 volt cars over the years.   Battery cable size and condition is critical. With 6 volt set ups 1/0 is the minimal cable size, 2/0 is better.   The next item is to be sure the cables themselves are in good condition, not oil soaked and corroded.  Be sure ALL connections are clean to bare metal especially the grounding points. 

[Jim Salmi #21340]

The wiring diagram for your car should be in the shop manual (definitely get one if you don't have one already).  It shows the battery cable size.  For what it's worth, my '52 which is 6-volt calls out a #1 cable.  I also have rebuilt the starter.  The old beast fires up on the first crank even if it has sat for a month.