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

Hello everyone. I recently aquired a 1952 200 Deluxe and plan to use it mostly as a daily during the summer months here in Michigan. I have searched a great deal on here for converting to 12 volt neg. I know many of you think this is sacreligious to do, however I need the reliability on the road. I have located most parts for this, 3 wire alt, coil, bulbs, condensor and ballast resister,voltage reducers, etc. I also found a schematic on here that is very hepful. My question is what to do with the wires that are currently on the generator and the voltage regulator. The wiring, starter, ign. are in very good shape. I have replaced any cracked or broken wires. I did find extensive written instructions for 1954 Chevy, but do not know if this would be the same. Attached are photos of my car when I purchased it last week and the schematic that I spoke of. Thank you for any help you can offer.

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to the Packardinfo site and congratulations on becoming a Packard owner. Plenty of experienced and knowledgeable Packard people here who'll help I'm sure. If you're converting to 12V it should be done the right way rather than have it stuffed up and creating problems. And thanks for adding the '52 to the Owner Registry.

If you use an alternator with an internal regulator, then you can simply disconnect the wires that ran between the regulator and the generator, and tuck them away for the future if you ever decide to go back. A 12v coil and a ballast resistor should be used (just use the ones that were used on the '56 models or there modern replacements)

Also you will need to obviously flip the batter around. If you car has a Amp Gauage, then you will need to reverse the wiring on that so it reads correctly. You will also need a step-down voltage regulator for things like the clock, gauges, radio and blower motor, so the 12v doesnt cause them issues.

Also I would advise replacing the 6 volt starter solenoid with a 12v version to prevent any issues with it. Your 6 volt starter should be just fine and is not affected by the polarity change. Obviouisly all the light bulbs in the car will need to be exchange for their 12v cousins.

The diagram above is a good high level overview of how the igntion system should be setup.

OldGold-

Let me also welcome you to the site! Your interior looks very livable as a daily driver. I wish mine was that clean on the inside.

What's the deal with the fender and rear quarter? Are you starting some bodywork or is that leftover from the previous owner?

That is left over from the previous owner. The pictures were taken about 5 minutes after I unlaoded from the trailer. The interior has actually cleaned up pretty well compared to the pics. I'm a paint and body man so the multi color is embarresing but livible. I need to get mechanical up to snuff first. I wont be driving it for a couple of months yet.

Welcome and good luck with your purchase!

I did the 12v neg ground conversion earlier this year on a 1950 standard 8. Also used the schematic and replaced light bulbs, installed new alternator, 12v direction indicator switch, 12v coil. The swop to alt was easier than I thought. I disconnected most of my gauges to protect them and make use of an extra 12v volt meter and pilot light to check on the charging.Removed wiring, generator and regulator and keep them for later use maybe. It cleaned up the wiring in the engine bay quite a bit.
I still need to clean up the open wiring under the dash. At present my main and brights stopped working - will need to trace, hope its not he 6v relays!
Please feel free to ask and I can supply some photos if needed.

Barrie

OldGold,

Found this, might be helpful.

http://reviews.ebay.com/You-can-do-it-I-can-help-6-volt-to12-volt-conversion_W0QQugidZ10000000002552354

Thank you for all the help gentlemen. This is the information I was hoping for.

Hi,

I have a 51,300 that is still running on the original 6 volt positive ground system. I drive the car every day and have never had any trouble with it not starting or any other trouble with the electrical system at all. I've driven the car through the mountains to Reno and back in the dead of winter as well as in the summer with out a hint of trouble. I am a firm believer in leaving things the way the manufacturer intended them to be. Most all cars had 6 volt systems until the mid 50's. They all worked OK. I've had some 50 or more cars over the years and most of them were 6 volt cars and never had much thought about the battery voltage. I would fix what's wrong and leave it 6 volts and just enjoy it.

Bob

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Bob,

Welcome to the website! Nice '51 you have there. Please feel free to add it to the Owner's Registry.

Thanks!