6v Positive Ground to 12v Negative Ground Conversion

Posted by Eric Hansford On 2017/4/12 10:56:47

I have a question for the experts out there.........

I have started the conversion of the my 1949 Super 8 Deluxe (2372) from factory 6V Positive Ground to 12V Negative Ground to make starts easier and more drivable.

I have stared the process with getting a generator from a 1956 Clipper (12V Positive ground) and having it rebuilt (new bearings, windings checked, new brushes, glazing removed, etc). I also know that the following things will need to be addressed: New 12V coil, all 6v bulbs replaced, heater blower motor replacement, R11 Overdrive solenoid (currently not functional), and radio.

I have started building a +12V stepdown to +6V electronics so that the factory Philco radio can be maintained (Using the 1950 Custom 8 wiring diagram manual). My question is, the factory radio appears to be Positive ground chassis with a fused input. The diagram in the manual (https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/1950_CustomRadioOM.pdf) lists an input voltage of 6V +/-A. Does this allow for the input voltage to be "inverted" from Positive Ground to Negative Ground without damage to the radio? I do not want to destroy anything more in this conversion process.

I understand that this voltage conversion may be seen as blasphemous to some traditionalist Packard Owners. I would like to keep the vehicle as close to original as possible; although, make it a bit more drivable.

Anyone whom may have already performed this type of conversion, please feel free to reach out to me and let me know what else that I may be overlooking. I welcome any advice that the Packard community may have for me.

- Eric Hansford
1949 Super 8 Deluxe in Egyptian Sand / Egyptian hood ornamemt.