6v or 12v?

[Belmondq]

Hello,

I am in the process of working on my 52 CJ3A electrical system and was hoping to get some feedback on sticking with the 6v system vs. converting to a 12v electronic system.  I want to keep the overall jeep as stock as I can in appearance but not too worried about converting something like the electrical system.  I am more interested in reliability... if that makes any sense.

I am told that going to 12v I will need to change the battery, light bulbs and fuel gauge.

[rocketeer]

It made it through 60 years on 6 volts, that's pretty reliable. As long as the parts are in good shape 6 volt systems are just fine. The really important thing is to make sure you use heavy 6 volt battery cables. 12 volt battery cables will not get it done. Although 6 volts is half the voltage, it is twice the current of a 12 volt system hence the need for heavier cables.

I am told that going to 12v I will need to change the battery, light bulbs and fuel gauge.

You will also need to change the charging system; either a 12 volt generator and regulator or a 12 volt alternator system. You could change to a 12 volt starter as well. a 6 volt starter will work, at least for a while, but generally takes a beating at 12 volts.

Larry

[Chasm]

Belmondq:

When my Willys adopted me, it already had a 12 volt battery and an alternator, so I just went with it. The alternator bracket is beefed up to assure a correct alignment, since it's much shorter than a 6 volt generator. I am still using the 6 volter starter motor and have done so for the past 6 years. My starter foot plunger is mechanical, so the bendix gear only engages when I have it pushed in. I have never really had to crank on it a lot, since the old gal always starts right up. I guess that's a benefit to my starter setup.

If I had the complete 6 volt system 6 years ago, I would have stayed with it. Like Larry said, it's worked for 60+ years!