25-10-2017, 11:09 PM
I converted my Ruby to 12V, back on the road in 2015, and I did this a year or two (or three) before, I did it properly, had the dynamo converted & re-wound, solid state regulator, fitted a 12V wiper motor (MT type exactly the same just different coil), fuel gauge & sender (I managed to get a NOS Land Rover series instrument, just changed the face over, needle, etc., identical). I left the starter at 6V and fitted a 12V horn.
The big driver for 12V for me was the fitting of halogen headlight bulbs - my car needs to see in the dark - but given the advances with the LED bulbs, knowing what I know now I would have stuck with 6V, it would have saved quite a bit of work. I did run with the halogen bulbs for a short time, the re-built dynamo (CDRC) was well up to the job, but I now have the LED headlight bulbs so the whole system is much less demanding!
I got a nice square 12V battery to fit the battery box, so that wasn't a problem, but a bit limited to choice and a replacement might not be so easy to source when the time comes.
With my latest restoration, a Swallow, I am umming and arring about converting to 12V, the Swallow only has the dynamo, horn & starter, along with the lights of course, vacuum wiper & no fuel gauge to think about, so a much simpler system, I think I am better off being 6V with the new alternator. However, if the new alternator doesn't make it into production, I will go 12V, as I don't have the correct regulator and the dynamo will need re-building, so a new "all-in" item will be more cost-effective.
The big driver for 12V for me was the fitting of halogen headlight bulbs - my car needs to see in the dark - but given the advances with the LED bulbs, knowing what I know now I would have stuck with 6V, it would have saved quite a bit of work. I did run with the halogen bulbs for a short time, the re-built dynamo (CDRC) was well up to the job, but I now have the LED headlight bulbs so the whole system is much less demanding!
I got a nice square 12V battery to fit the battery box, so that wasn't a problem, but a bit limited to choice and a replacement might not be so easy to source when the time comes.
With my latest restoration, a Swallow, I am umming and arring about converting to 12V, the Swallow only has the dynamo, horn & starter, along with the lights of course, vacuum wiper & no fuel gauge to think about, so a much simpler system, I think I am better off being 6V with the new alternator. However, if the new alternator doesn't make it into production, I will go 12V, as I don't have the correct regulator and the dynamo will need re-building, so a new "all-in" item will be more cost-effective.