'44 Dodge 2 ton, 6 - 12 volts

[Alan]

Hi all,

My truck is a 44 Dodge, 2 ton. It has a
6 volt electrical system, and most of the wiring is original, and in bad shape.

I've been thinking up changing it to 12 volts. I pressumed I'd have to change the
generator, starter motor, light bulbs....
anything else? Is changing to 12 volts a
complicated procedure?

Any input would be appreciated
Alan

[p15-d24]

Check the Tech Tips article at www.p15-d24.com re 6 to 12 conversions. Be aware that switching from 6 to 12 with a poor condition wiring harness significantly increases the possibilty of fire. Replace the harness and you will probably find you don't need to switch to 12 v. I run my 48 P15 coupe and 49 Dodge 3/4T on 6, works fine. Also both have new wiring harnesses.

[Alan]

Thanks for the tip; I'll check out that site.

Question for you: On your 3/4T truck, do you have enough juice to run all your lights 'brightly' ?? My truck will have extra (exterior) cab lights, plus will need a hook up for hauling a horse trailer which will have many lights on it. Part of my thinking to go to 12 volts, is that 6 wouldn't be enough to power all the lights. What do you think?

Alan

[p15-d24]

On my 48 Ply Coupe, which actually has more electrical load then the truck, I have pulled my boat trailer which has tail and brake, backup and side lights. No problems. Remember 6v and 12v are both capable of carring the same "load", just the 6 v requires a higher amperage.The biggest problem on thse 6 volt systems is (1) the battery is too small for the load and (2) 6 volt battery cables are not used. Use the biggest 6 volt battery you can find or upgrade to a gel cell Optima. Also make sure the voltage regulator is properly adjusted. It will impact how "bright" the lights appear. Lastly, make sure everything has a good solid grounds. At least 90 percent of my electrical problems have been tracked back to poor grounds. I got tired of dealing with it so when I had a new wiring harness made I had them add extra grounds in the loom. Pretty much what you seem on today's cars.

[Alan]

Thanks for the insight.
I did read the article on that web site you suggested. Very helpful.
I didn't realize there was a difference between 6 volt and 12 volt battery cables.
What is the differnce though? Heavier gauge of wire for the 6 volt system? What gauge should it be?

Thanks again for all your help. I'm thinking now that I will stick with my 6 volt system, and start cleaning it up.

Alan

[p15-d24]

Yes a heavier gauge of wire. I got one for my truck from Atlas Motors in LA. 562-594-5560. Good quality, proper gauge.