[AT] 12-volt conversion (OT)

[Al Jones]

The reason "why," quite honestly, is because many people think that because
12 is twice as many as 6, it MUST be better to convert it!  And then in the
process they cut up sheet metal fab up new alternator brackets out of what
ever ol' rusty steel they have laying around, and generally cobble it up. 
(I know not everybody does a sloppy conversion.  But I see a lot, not
necessarily on here, that do....)

I can see the arguement for converting if the generator, lights, etc. must
be replaced anyhow.  Also as Mike mentioned, if the 6 volt lights aren't
bright enough, that would be a legitimate reason in my mind.  

If it "won't crank good" on 6 volts, start by cleaning up all the cable
connections--clean, bright, and tight.  Then make sure the cables are at
least 2-0.  A little thin 12 volt cable from Car-Quest won't turn a starter
very fast on 6 volts--even if it's a real short cable.  Taking the starter
in to a good starter/generator shop for a cleaning/servicing will help a
lot too.

A lot of these tractors have been 6 volt for 50+ years.  It didn't suddenly
stop working right just because it's 2008 now...

Al


> [Original Message]
> From: Dudley Rupert <drupert at premier1.net>
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Date: 12/6/2008 4:09:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [AT] 12-volt conversion (OT)
.
>
> But, in their responses to this thread, Dean and Steve both asked the
"why"
> question which I've often asked myself.  I am curious ...can those of you
> who have made the 12-volt conversion tell us the reason why you did it?  I
> think all the six-volt tractors I have were initially introduced with
"hand
> starters" - i.e., crank or flywheel.  I expect these tractors to start,
even
> with a half dead battery, with just a couple of turns of the flywheel.  If
> they don't I check corrosion/cables/points/etc but I've never seen a
> need/reason to convert to 12 volts.  Of course, I can understand that if
> you've added a bunch of lights or say a cab with a heater with a big
blower
> motor then you may need more current generation capability and that could
be
> a reason when going to a bigger generator to just go to 12 volt while
you're
> at it.
>
> Thanks -
> Dudley
>
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