Convert 6 volt to 12 volt or not.

I am looking at a few jeeps. One of them that has my interest was redone. But when redone the owner left the 6 volt system and actually replaced all the wiring with period correct cloth covered wire, (I was told). I have also noted in many forums that most do a 12V conversion. How do you guys feel about 12V or 6V. I guess purist owners would keep the 6V. Just looking for advice and comments on this. Btw, I like the hunt, looking for my jeep. Its been fun. 

I converted Ol' Red 45 years ago over to a Delco alternator setup and have never had a electrical issue since. (knock on wood!) Before the conversion I was always having issues. Hard to start, dead generators, etc.

I have her to drive and if she won't run then she isn't as much fun as she should be.

From the outside she looks about 98% factory, but underneath the hood lives and breathes a Delco alternator system that has never let me down(again, knock on wood!)

When you are miles from the nearest repair parts and tools, that means a lot in my books.

Over on the www.g503.com WWII jeep forum where jeeps were 6-volt, the question about changing to 12-volt comes up about two or three times a week. The general consensus is that when you make the change you probably fixed the issues with your 6-volt system anyway. Nine out of ten "problems" with a 6-volt system are maintenance related anyway; loose connections, poor grounds and bad wiring are at the top of the list.

You COULD spend a few dollars to rebuild your generator or spend a handful on an alternator. You COULD spend a few more to rebuild your starter or a bunch more on a 12-volt one. You COULD remove all the wiring/grounding and clean the contacts and remove paint that inhibits proper grounding, but you'd be doing that with a switch to a 12-volt system.

You COULD install a new wiring harness or just clean it up and stay 6-volt or you COULD install a new harness and solve the 6-volt "problems" anyway. You COULD have your 6-volt battery checked for its CCA rating for free at NAPA or just buy a new 12-volt battery and dump a perfectly good 6-volt.

Six volt systems when properly maintained are not a problem unless you live in Antarctica or the Himalayas.

OK...I get it, guys want to install a cigarette lighter to charge the cell phone or a GPS system or a sound system like their daily driver has...if that is the driving force (pun intended) then, just rip out all that 6-volt stuff and go 12-volt!

PS...I did the opposite with my 1942 GPW; it ran like crap when purchased so besides the rebuilt carb it needed, I installed a new 6-volt wiring harness, a 6-volt genny & regulator I had set up and installed new 6-volt headlamps. I installed WWII taillights after removing the farmer taillights it had on it and found the new wiring harness enabled me to finally get a reading on the gas gauge. The grill BO lights worked, the dash lights now worked as well. When installing, I made sure to clean the contacts and wiring posts and to tighten them down.

It's not a daily driver, nor do I spend much time at 45 MPH on the freeway so I think my 6-volt system is working just fine!

PackRat wrote: Over on the www.g503.com WWII jeep forum where jeeps were 6-volt, the question about changing to 12-volt comes up about two or three times a week. The general consensus is that when you make the change you probably fixed the issues with your 6-volt system anyway. Nine out of ten "problems" with a 6-volt system are maintenance related anyway; loose connections, poor grounds and bad wiring are at the top of the list. You COULD spend a few dollars to rebuild your generator or spend a handful on an alternator. You COULD spend a few more to rebuild your starter or a bunch more on a 12-volt one. You COULD remove all the wiring/grounding and clean the contacts and remove paint that inhibits proper grounding, but you'd be doing that with a switch to a 12-volt system. You COULD install a new wiring harness or just clean it up and stay 6-volt or you COULD install a new harness and solve the 6-volt "problems" anyway. You COULD have your 6-volt battery checked for its CCA rating for free at NAPA or just buy a new 12-volt battery and dump a perfectly good 6-volt. Six volt systems when properly maintained are not a problem unless you live in Antarctica or the Himalayas. OK...I get it, guys want to install a cigarette lighter to charge the cell phone or a GPS system or a sound system like their daily driver has...if that is the driving force (pun intended) then, just rip out all that 6-volt stuff and go 12-volt! PS...I did the opposite with my 1942 GPW; it ran like crap when purchased so besides the rebuilt carb it needed, I installed a new 6-volt wiring harness, a 6-volt genny & regulator I had set up and installed new 6-volt headlamps. I installed WWII taillights after removing the farmer taillights it had on it and found the new wiring harness enabled me to finally get a reading on the gas gauge. The grill BO lights worked, the dash lights now worked as well. When installing, I made sure to clean the contacts and wiring posts and to tighten them down. It's not a daily driver, nor do I spend much time at 45 MPH on the freeway so I think my 6-volt system is working just fine!

I think most GPW/MB owners would maintain a 6 volt system just for the historical value...but then most of them are more OCD than CJ owners...

My jeep I bought to drive, not as a museum piece. Granted, IF (and that is a pretty big IF) I owned a GPW/MB I would probably be more OCD about its condition.

Bruce W wrote: SE Kansas 46 CJ-2A wrote: I converted Ol' Red 45 years ago over to a Delco alternator setup and have never had a electrical issue since.      I repaired Uncle Linden's 6 volt generator (new commutator end frame) and replaced one cable when I got the jeep 22 years ago, and have never had an electrical issue since.  BW

I only wish I had been so fortunate. I went through a half a dozen generators in two years and even had one professionally rebuilt. Even voltage regulators seemed to fizzle on me. No joy...

They all seemed to work for a while, but eventually.....

The starter (6 volt) stayed with me until last year and worked great although it did manage to eat big holes in the flywheel ring gear from the hard engagement that is common with operating them on 12 volts. I replaced the ring gear and starter while working on a transmission issue last year.

I'm not saying that one can't operate a 6 volt system and be successful with it; I only know that it didn't happen with me. Of course, I am not noted for my ability to attract good luck, having been born under the Sign of the Turd.

Even though I'm a reasonably successful jeep mechanic, I would rather drive them than fix them and I have done a fair amount of repair work over the last 49 years I have owned Ol' Red.

Thanks for the comment, Bruce, I follow your postings regularly.

I ran both 6 and 12 volt systems. Both work well, 12 volt better. I don't think it should be a factor in your purpose. If it's a good 6 volt system that's great. You shouldn't have issues. If you decide to converted to 12 volt, it's very simple. Cost is minimal, maybe $300.

6V works fine as noted by all. I periodically take my generator and starter apart to clean, check bushings, brushes, commutators and they are still original  and work fine. I did make a new wire harness and ensure all connections are clean.