- Last seen
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2017
- Thunderbird Year
- 1955
I am converting my 1955 to 12 volts. I bought a kit to convert to an alternator. Any tips or suggestions?
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I hope that's a typo. and you meant 1955 Positive ground. Ford went to 12V negative ground in 1956.I made the coversion with very little work. It was due to a breakdown on the road and could not find a 6V generator. There are several kits that include everything except the 12dc lights. All lights need to be replaced. Also I got a shock once due to that
1965 Positive ground.
Bill
I and friends have converted our cars to 12V. We left the original 6V seat motors and they work fine because it's rather momentary. I changed my car window motors to 12V but some guys leave the 6V motors. You just have to be careful when putting the window up and down because it moves very fast. The previous owner of my car left the 6V window motors and the window glass cracked when it jammed up very hard and quickly to the hard top frame. Some guys even leave the 6V starters. It's fine as long as you don't crank it for an excessive length of time.I am a new owner of a 1955. Is it advisable to convert to a 12 volt or stay with the 6?
As far as advice whether or not to convert I think it's a matter of personal choice. I know at some sites people get all uppity about it saying the car was designed as 6V and will work fine as 6V. If you plan to show the car it probably should stay 6V. If you want to drive / use the car and take advantage of available accessories (radio, GPS, MP3 players, updated gauges, convert to electric wipers, LED lights) then my advice is to make the conversion to 12V.I am a new owner of a 1955. Is it advisable to convert to a 12 volt or stay with the 6?
Great idea I’m doing the same thing for my 57I’m doing complete restoration on my 1955 Thunderbird and would like to know what everyone thinks of changing the ignition to electronic. I’m definitely changing the car to 12 volt. I’d appreciate any advice.
Thanks, JDJ
Then you will have to deal with the lights, radio and fan etc. to convert them to 12 volt - right?I’m doing complete restoration on my 1955 Thunderbird and would like to know what everyone thinks of changing the ignition to electronic. I’m definitely changing the car to 12 volt. I’d appreciate any advice.
Thanks, JDJ
I converted my 1955 to 12 volts. What a job! Not sure I would elect to do that again. My main motivation was so I could use modern accessories. Then, I found out I could buy a $30 part that would have allowed me to use 12 volt devices on 6 volts. All light bulbs have to be changed, which was the biggest problem. Working under the dash of a '55 is a lot of work, and not fun at all! I bought the electronic ignition parts, but ended up just changing the points and condenser. Mine starts right away, and runs great. I had the carb rebuilt by Larry's. That made the biggest difference in performance.I’m doing complete restoration on my 1955 Thunderbird and would like to know what everyone thinks of changing the ignition to electronic. I’m definitely changing the car to 12 volt. I’d appreciate any advice.
Thanks, JDJ