Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Frankly I dont see anything wrong with the guys asking why Gary wants to change to 12v. I think it's a perception with folks new to 6v cars that they need to be "Upgraded". With Gary being in the UK I dont really see A/C as a driving reason. So it begs the question why he feels the conversion is needed.

My car is running 12v, and an alternator as I am going to be running A/C due to the heat here in the summer. But if I didn't need A/C, I would have left my car 6V. It is actually cheaper to repair the 6v system in most cases then it is to fully convert to 12v. But I don't evangelize it to everyone that asks on the subject.

Remember at it's core the website is about preserving these cars. Also making sure people have good information about them before making choices. That information should be based on fact, and not conjecture or opinion. I see a lot posts where people are playing pretty fast and lose with personal opinions that are not really grounded in fact. I've seen enough fear-mongering in the recent political ads to last a lifetime, so I really don't want to hear about it any more here when it comes to how people choose to preserve their Packards.

I posted the can of worms cause as I knew this was going to be the outcome of this thread. Unfortunately I was proved right. :(

Ah, that explains the 6v A/C!
Thanks BigKev.
I read somewhere that one of the first installations was some a retros on a couple of White House '53 or '54 Packard Limos.

Just to confirm once again, I don't want to change to 12 V. I just asked was I right in doing this. That's all.

Gary

A well maintained 6 volt system ( good grounds and proper size cables) with a good battery performs very well and will amaze the skeptics

Just in the process of selling a 1950 after owning it for 13 years as I bought a 1941 160. They are wonderful road cars and you will find it very reliable after you go through it

Regards

John Harley

Gary. Do u feel like u have a satisfactory answer to your question yet????

Your question:"I just asked was I right in doing this."
Answer: Yes.

But don't be surprised if 2 or 3 years from now u suddenly decide to either convert to 12v or maybe add an auxilary 12v system to the car. Maybe not.

I have a little invested in my 6v pos ground system and it's been as reliable as any 12v car i've owned so far. that said, if i wasn't trying to make it look somewhat period correct and interesting, i'd have a GM 12v alternator and an air compressor in there for AC SO FAST that the car would think it was 18v for a second.

Yes COrtcomp. I have a 48 Indian here that i've owned and operated as 6 volt for nearly 40 years and every year of those 40 years i've ridden it hard. Replaced battery every 3 to 4 years no problems.

THE PROBLEM NOW is that this year i was FORCED into a 12 volt conversion only because RELIABLE 6v batteries are NLA for this special fit application. Other 6v die hard owners i know have also converted becaue they have ran out of their NOS OR NORS 6v parts stock. They tried running reproduction 6v bulbs and found that they were only lasting for 400-500 miles of riding. (Motorcycles are extremely hi vibration vehicles). NOS and NORS 6v bulbs would last for 20K miles or more.

I didn't want to convert. I was forced into it as have many others. I want to ride the bike. Not build a glass case around it.

My 51 TO20 Ferguson is still 6 volt. So is my 56 Cushman. I currently have no plans to convert them.

Yes I now have all the answers. I will keep 6 volt ad long as I can get battery and parts. If these run out, then I will be forced to change. What are the places you get 6 volt battery and parts from ?

Napa here in the States carries them. Also they are still used heavily in agricultural machinery (tractors, etc). So I imagine they would be easy to find in the UK.

Gary,
They can still be obtained in the UK at lincon batteries near Southend and would be cheaper than the States with the postage costs
Terry