6 to 12 volts? 54 chevy.. need help

[SpeedRacer2002]

Well i just aquired a 54 chevy 2 door all original been in a barn since 83... we jumpstarted it lastnight to get it running with the 20 yearold battery in it.... now we dont wanna go buy a 6 volt battery because its gonna be converted to 12 volt .... now i just need to know what all has to be changed.... i think i am correct but all the wiring can stay the same maybe just the lights and the generator need swaped out??? ahhhh too much thinking.... someone help me....

[Dago Red]

Haven't done it (yet), but it looks pretty easy.

http://www.inliners.org/tech/12v.html

[SpeedRacer2002]

kick ass sounds easy!!!!!

[Chopped54]

Just finished mine on my 54

You will need to change the generator to either an alternator or a 12v generator.

12 regulator

Change all the bulbs to 12v

Horn, radio, heater, and fuel gauge needs reducers

Points can stay the same, but change condensor.

Change to 12v coil with ballast resistor.

Starter can stay the same, may want to change to 12v solenoid. I kept the 6v and have not had any problems.

You can keep the 6v wiring. 12 volts draw half the amps that 6 volts do.

I can get ya p/ns if it will help

[Rocket88]

I wouldn't worry about the horn. 6 volt horns are sure loud with 12 volts. A chevy sprint fan motor is an easy swap for the stocker. I really don't like to use those ceramic resistors too much, they sure generate a lot of heat.
I found a good solution for the gas gauge. Instead of using a ceramic resistor, I found a 12 volt cell phone charger at an electronics surplus store. It puts out 6 volts and cost me $3 !!!

[Jkustom]

yeah leave the horns alone, mine are 6volts running on 12 and LOUD AS FUCK! I ran my 6 volt starter for about a year, and it eventually went belly up, but I take most the blame for that, I was turning it over too long at a time. Still havent hooked up my fuel gauge, I think I'll try rocket88's idea! Got pics of your find? -J.