6 volt to 12 volt conversion

BigSky
BigSky Senior Contributor
edited September 2012 in HUDSON
After being faced with the challenges of locating another 6 volt battery, finding charger, etc,etc,etc for my 37 Hudson, I have had it with 6 volt and have decided to convert to 12 volt.

Does anyone have a link to a good source of info on doing this or suggestions from ones own experiences.

Thanks,
Brian

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Before you embark on this quest, are you sure you are at a dead end on 6v batteries and chargers? I'm fairly sure there are four or five brands of good 6 volt batteries out there. I've been using the DEKA brand with fairly good results for several years, and was always able to get a new one in a few days through my local auto electric shop. As to chargers, I have found the 6-12 volt trickle chargers at local car parts places with no problem.

    If you want to go ahead with a 12 volt conversion there are a number of people who will supply you with the correct information, I know. But it's going to take you a bit of time to do.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have been buying 6volt batteries at NAPA they stock about 3 sizes . And the Harbor Frieght stores have 6-12 volt chargers,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I got my Interstate 6V from the local Interstate "Direct To You" retail counter at their local warehouse. Use Google to see if the have one near you.

    The last one I had from Tractor Supply did not last the winter of just sitting. I will use a trickle charger every so often this year.
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    Park W did a very comprehensive guide to the conversion, and it was on Dave Sollon's site- but Dave took the site down, so don't know if its available on the web anymore. Park will probably check in soon, and let you know.

    As far a 6 volt batteries, I've never had a problem finding them- as someone else said, NAPA has them on the shelf.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Back, briefly, to the 6-volt battery availability. Here is a 6-volt in the Group 2 size, with a 40-month warranty and 780 cold cranking amp rating (not bad) listing for about $99, at Tractor Supply. http://www.tscstores.com/6-volt-Group-2-780-CCA-40-month-wty-P5603.aspx That's about the same price as the DEKA batteries I have been using. Optima batteries are quite nice, but a lot more money.

    By the way, as to battery physical dimensions:
    Group 1 = 9" x 6-7/8", and 8-3/4" high.
    Group 2 = 10-3/8" x 6-7/8" and 8-3/4" high.

    There is nothing wrong with switching your car to 12 volts (if you don't mind the labor involved), but don't do this just because you can't seem to find 6-volt batteries -- because they are indeed out there!
  • BigSky
    BigSky Senior Contributor
    It's been a little frustrating since I havent played with my old 37 Hudsons for over 6 years and now that I am trying to get going again, everything is giving me problems. (The battery, starter, fuel lines, etc.)

    I drained the gas tank, put in fresh fuel and a new inline filter before the pump at the engine and even filled the glass bowl with fuel. When I installed the new inline filter, I didnt get a drop of gas out of the line during the exchange of filter, even though I had been trying to start it for a few days. Thus I am thinking my fuel pump may not be pulling or I have a block in the line I replaced 8-9 years ago. Not sure because my battery keeps running down after 3-4 attempts at starting it. UGH! I bought the interstate battery about 5 months ago when I was selling an old truck, so I took it to the local Interstate distributor and they told me it was 17 months old and wouldnt be able to credit me toward a replacement because its 17 months old!

    Well, I guess that is one of the reasons I would like to be done with 6volt. I would rather be able to just run over to Sams or Costco and grab a battery when I need one vs searching, etc. The other reason I was thinking of upgrading was because I want to do some "performance upgrades" and I would like to have the extra ignition power from the 12 volt, plus better lighting, starting, adding a radio, tach, etc. Lastly, since the wiring may need to be replaced as its original, I may as well bring it all together in a modern 12 volt system, I can drive and enjoy and when a breakage occurs, find replacements easier.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sounds like your fuel has set up in the old fuel pump. Not much you can do but replace it or go get a 6 volt electric one to get you going for now. Most part stors carry universal 6 volt impulse type pumps ,less than $50.00,
    Roger
  • BigSky
    BigSky Senior Contributor
    Who sells replacement fuel pumps?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Mr. Cooper has them I know ,and there are others Im sure ,you can buy the kit for about $45.00 . Dont recall the company but you see them in all the car books ,
    Roger
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