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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1948 International Pick up conversion 6 to 12 volts

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Expert: - 7/9/2011


Question
Rebuilding my'48 International KB1 pickup and going to a 12 volt system instead of 6, but I need to stay with 6 volts on the original oil, gas, temp gages. I have done this by using resistors. However, what do I need to do to use the original ammeter??

Answer
If your 12 volt installation has the output of the alternator wired direct to the battery the amp meter is then bypassed and will not show a charge rate. I would not recommend running the alternator through the ammeter and as much you might not want to do it I would recommend an accessory voltmeter be installed somewhere in the truck. I just finished a rewire project on a nice 49 Chevrolet including a 12 volt conversion for a customer. I used one of those "gage pods" that can be bought in most auto parts stores and mounted it with a voltmeter on the drivers side windshield pillar post. It blended in when painted the same color as the dash.  

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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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.

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