Classic/Antique Car Repair/VOLTAGE CONVERSION

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/24/2008


Question
HELLO I HAVE A '47 STYLEMASTER AND WANT TO INSTALL A STEREO I WAS TOLD I CANT UNTIL I CHANGE OVER THE VOLTAGE FROM MY GENERATOR WHAT ALL DOES THIS ENTAIL PLEASE BE SPECIFIC IF POSSIBLE AS TO WHAT ALL IS REQUIRED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE JASON H..

Answer
Jason what that means is that you will have to install a new alternator in place of the generator. Then rewire the car to accept the alternator and then remove the regulator for the generator. With that done then the ignition system will need a resistor so that the 12 volts do not burn up the points and the ignition coil will need to be replaced. Next all the light bulbs on the car will need to be replaced with 12 volt bulbs and the heater blower motor replaced with a 12 volt motor. Nor the dash gauges will need to have a resistor inserted into the circuit so that they will not be damaged by the 12 volt system and of course the battery will need to be replaced. If the wiring is in good condition it should be OK with 12 volts as 12 volts runs less current than six volts. It is a lot of work for music.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.