Re: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Conversion for 1939 Super 8

Posted by Jim On 2008/8/31 21:20:59

That is a very fine car you have there. I have a 1703 touring sedan (have been working on it this weekend). I have not met many fellow 39 Super 8 owners.

How long have you had the car? What are your plans for the car? Is it presently drivable?

As for the conversion from 6 to 12 volts, some individuals have given excellent advice already. There are some particular challenges with this proposition. One challenge is the non sealed flexbeam headlamp assemblies. You would have to adapt 12v bulbs somehow. The next concern I would personally have is overpowering the starter. This starter utilizes a single bolt retaining system and a fairly fragile centrifugal starter Bendex. You also have the heater blower motor and defroster (if equipped) blower motor to contend with.

With proper equipment such as appropriate gauge battery cables, a good wiring harness with clean connections, and in my opinion, an Optima battery you should (and I currently) have no troubles at all.

There is my two cents. I hope to hear more about your car.

Best of luck,
Jim