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59AB flathead 6 to 12 volt conversion parts

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by junkmonger, Jul 26, 2009.

  1. junkmonger
    Joined: Feb 9, 2004
    Posts: 653

    junkmonger
    Member

    I saw several threads on what parts were needed to convert a flathead from 6 to 12 volts, but no part numbers. I ordered some parts from NAPA, and I'm hoping they work, because I don't want to ruin a fresh rebuild by cranking it excessively with no spark.

    I used '57 Thunderbird part numbers from a NAPA catalog:
    FA82 12 volt condenser
    ICR11 12 volt ballast resistor
    IC10SB 12 volt coil

    From what I've read, this should be all I need (besides stock 59AB ignition parts) to get it running. Does anyone see a flaw in this logic, or does it sound like a plan? As usual, I thank anyone who wants to share info.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2009
  2. junkmonger
    Joined: Feb 9, 2004
    Posts: 653

    junkmonger
    Member

  3. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    All I ever do is replace the coil with a 12v. one with a built-in resister. Then you don't have the resister hanging out in the open.
     
  4. srosa707
    Joined: Jun 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,573

    srosa707
    Member
    from Sacramento

    I have a chrome coil from Speedway for a SBC (got it from the neighbor), a 12V resistor from Napa (unsure what its for), and a 12v converted generator. Good luck.
     

  5. Flatheadguy
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 2,037

    Flatheadguy
    Member

    Parts you listed will work just fine.
     
  6. T_Bird Guy
    Joined: Oct 6, 2006
    Posts: 225

    T_Bird Guy
    Member

    I just installed the same setup on my 1947 Ford with a 59AB flathead. I have been having trouble with the coil with a built in resistor and stock condenser.
     
  7. junkmonger
    Joined: Feb 9, 2004
    Posts: 653

    junkmonger
    Member

    Thanks to everyone that answered! Sounds like I'm on the right track.
     
  8. Kan Kustom
    Joined: Jul 20, 2009
    Posts: 2,741

    Kan Kustom
    Member

    Me too,Thanks
     
  9. If you are using stock guages, use a "dash power regulator" for a 1965 to 1968 Ford. Fords up until the late 70's I think had 6-volt guages, so they needed a kick-down. This one is easy and siunce it is designed by Ford, should be a good place to start. I have one on three diff cars.
     
  10. srosa707
    Joined: Jun 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,573

    srosa707
    Member
    from Sacramento

    Does anyone know what OHM the resistor needs to be? Im troubleshooting an issue with my ignition and accidentaly broke my resistor today! I put in a 5 OHM resistor and it started smoking on startup. Any ideas?
     
  11. PORKCHOP76
    Joined: Feb 12, 2008
    Posts: 548

    PORKCHOP76
    Member
    from iowa

    a buddy and i were just talking about this today. then i find this thread.hell im going in the right direction before i knew i was going...lol
     
  12. Pat Pryor
    Joined: May 28, 2007
    Posts: 1,911

    Pat Pryor
    Member

    go to speedway motors n theirs a kit 30 bucks and your all set.
     
  13. Pat Pryor
    Joined: May 28, 2007
    Posts: 1,911

    Pat Pryor
    Member

  14. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,986

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Outside of having the generator converted I can most likely just go to the back shelf in my garage for the proper pieces. Outside of not liking dim headlights I'd probably leave it 6 volt and may still do so.
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  15. srosa707
    Joined: Jun 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,573

    srosa707
    Member
    from Sacramento

    Anybody know the OHM's for the resistor I need? 5?
     
  16. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    The ohms would be in the NAPA catalog, but you don't need them. You just ask for a resistor for some model of Chevy with your coil...just say '68 Nova 307. They have said resistor in two forms...a replacement resistor wire for the harness, as used on most chevies in the 60's, and a separate resistor that can be used instead. Resistors oft smoke on first use out of the box...they get hot, and whatever oil or coating the factory put on there goes away in a few minutes.
     
  17. Sanford Graham
    Joined: Apr 9, 2009
    Posts: 89

    Sanford Graham
    Member

    Howdy I have used many internal resistor Coils in converting from 6 volt too 12 volt, only one ever gave grief ( it was boxed up wrong) what I like is not having the extra wire's and a porcelan block having too be mounted, and the volt drop for gauge's for ford trucks works very well also,good advice........happy motorin
     
  18. srosa707
    Joined: Jun 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,573

    srosa707
    Member
    from Sacramento


    OK, cool. I thought it might not giving enough resistance, causing it to smoke.
     
  19. mista
    Joined: Nov 24, 2015
    Posts: 137

    mista
    Member
    from Finland

    What about the starter motor?
     
  20. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,527

    alchemy
    Member

    I've been using a stock 6 volt flathead starter on 12 volts for over a decade with no difficulty. Works fine.
     
    mista likes this.
  21. Flathead Dave
    Joined: Mar 21, 2014
    Posts: 3,968

    Flathead Dave
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from So. Cal.

    You can use the stock 6v starter for your 12v set up. It won't hurt anything.
     
  22. So-cal Tex
    Joined: Aug 24, 2005
    Posts: 1,384

    So-cal Tex
    Member

    Does anyone have a part number for this? I think it would work on 6 volt gauges in my '41 Ford Truck

    If you are using stock gauges, use a "dash power regulator" for a 1965 to 1968 Ford. Fords up until the late 70's I think had 6-volt gauges, so they needed a kick-down. This one is easy and since it is designed by Ford, should be a good place to start. I have one on three diff cars.
     
  23. OzyRodder
    Joined: Dec 11, 2012
    Posts: 307

    OzyRodder
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  24. snowroutes
    Joined: Feb 10, 2014
    Posts: 50

    snowroutes

    Thanks for the jumpstart on my project I appreciate the research and work you did. Do you happen to have any pictures?


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  25. 1rifleman
    Joined: Feb 8, 2020
    Posts: 18

    1rifleman

    Hello Sportsfans -- I am looking for a kit, less the alternator, to convert a 52 Ford truck to 12 volts. Have any readers purchased a kit, if so, who made the kit and how was your end result? I know there are some that have used a magneto as opposed to the alternator - I would also like any first-hand experiences there as well. Thanks.
     
  26. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 3,885

    rusty valley
    Member

    no such thing as a kit, you just need the parts listed at the start of this thread. i assume you ment to say "generator" , not magneto, but any way, alternator or generator , take your pick. ford went to 12 volts in 56, so any regulator 56 on will work in your existing wire harness, then a 56 &up generator case with 12 volt winding will bolt on to your front mounting plate, and you now have a 12 volt generator.
     

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