At first glance it may look like a quick and easy conversion, but it actually takes time and allot of thought. Here are some of the things that need to be converted: Lights, Ignition, gauges, windshield wiper motor (if electric).
Bulbs:
-Brake lighting
-Headlights
-Signal/Marker lighting
-Courtesy ligthing
-Instrumentation
These will all need to be converted to 12v bulbs.
Ignition:
-coil
AC Delco P/N U515
Universal 12 volt coil
Does NOT require external ballast resistor
AC Delco P/N U505 & U510
Universal 12 volt coil
requires ballast resistor
U510 is designed for imports w/electronic ignition.
If you have points in your distributor, you should be fine. Most points are really rated for 12v, so they should be fine for the upgrade. I too would look at the Universal coil that doesn't require a ballast resistor. You too may want to add a condensor to the system.
AC Delco P/N A202Z Open Lug, w/side mounting bracket
1946-1972 Chyrsler Products
1978-1983 IHC
1949-1971 Jeep
You can either buy one or find a donor vehicle.
If you decide to go with a resistor with your coil here are some options:
AC Delco P/N C1101 Single ballast resistor, w/mounting bracket
1953-1978 Chyrsler Products
AC Delco P/N D1111 Single ballast, w/mounting bracket. This ballast appears shorter than the above mentioned part
1953-1978 Chyrsler Products
For some more condensor, ballast resistor, and coil varients, see '
http://www.acdelco.com/parts/'.
Starter:
Next is your starter and it should be fine. Just be sure that all of the connections are clean and shiny.
Gauges:
With your gauges you will need to utilize a dropping resistor in the feed line to the instrument cluster.
AC Delco U1745
"Voltage Reducer. Reduces 12 volts to 6 volts. 1.5 ohm resistance for 4 amp maximum load. Permits use of regular 6 volt accessories on 12 volt systems. Mounts through 7/16" dia. hole. Includes clamp on bracket." or you can go to a salvage yard and look for a Ford Mustang II (1974-1978). The Mustang II utilized 6 volt guages! Mounted to the back of a Mustang II instrument cluster is a voltage limiter, each guage has an 8.5 ohm resistor for each circuit.
Battery:
It goes without saying, You will need to install a 12 volt battery.
Alternator:
By far the easiest, and most common unit out there to consider using in your 12 volt system is the General Motors 10SI unit. It has an internal regulator, and requires only 3 external connections. I just installed this alternator on my rat rod. It will require a bit of ingenuity on your part, spacers, brackets may need to be utilized to line things up properly. I would use a 1974 chevy camaro 350 cid alternator.
Windshield Wiper Motor:
My suggestion is to install a 12 volt wiper motor. An entire unit, or retrofit just the motor.
Grounds:
Check existing ground straps/cables. Alternator case (typically through its mounting bracket) to the battery. Battery to body. Body to frame. Instrument cluster to body or frame. Firewall to engine/frame.
Switches & Wiring:
Your switches and wiring should be fine and should have no problem handling the 12 volts flowing through them.
That's all i can think of for now. It will take some time to make the conversion and you will have to see if it is worth the time and money for the conversion.
