Chevy 6 volt to 12 volt conversion
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- 6 volt to 12 volt conversion on 1952 Chevrolet Styleline. All the parts are easy to get and install. This is a simple conversion that anyone can do and it is not expensive. The benefits of the conversion are well worth it. As much as I was against doing it, I am very happy I did.
Nice video. I switched my 42 Dodge from 6V positive ground to 12V negative ground. You use the same process but remember to install a new condenser under the distributor cap. Happy motoring.
how did you know what value condenser to buy and why did you change it the condenser has to match the coil not the voltage it will work but will see more pitted points -----also spark will increase or decrease depending on what value you use.
The reason you don't see a voltage regulator is because it's internal to the alternator ie: built in. Another advantage is alternators are more reliable and like the battery WAY cheaper. Plus if you need to replace anything it's not a factory order or internet.
The reason the Alt bracket are so pricey is demand there just isn't any so they get made in small batches only as needed. You could cobble something together with a welder and some flat stock for a little bit of nothing. Just a thought...
I just put a newer 250 straight six with 350 automatic transmission in my 1947chevy coupe stylemaster switch it over to 12 volt disc brakes in the front 5on5 lugs. That old car keeps up in modern traffic
Great video, explains a lot of things. I have a 1954 Chevy 2 ton (235cid) that some one else converted. Gas guage is fried and it has ongoing charging issues with the regulator. I am defo going to switch out the gen for the alt. I am retrofitting the gas guage to 12volt right now and have speedo and cluster removed to accomplish that. It would have made a good video except it would take all afternoon to watch. Thanks again.
I followed this video when I converted my 48 chevy truck to 12 volts. Made it very easy.
I used to use a 12 volt light bulb on the gauges as a resistor
Excellent video. If you want to run a 120 amp charging system for hi powerd audio/ video or air suspension compressor use a 1985 Chevrolet Caprice 5.7 alternator $90. I wonder if converting a 1953 Lincoln Capri would be the same process.
GREAT VIDEO. EASY TO FOLLOW. I WILL ATTEMPT THE PROCESS. GREAT TEACHER
ditch those points for Pertronix...did that on my 48 Pontiac. Worth the investment :)
Absolutely!!
Pertronix are junk
Your coil should receive a full 12 volts on startup and then drop to 7 volts thru the ballast resister when the engine is running. On a cold day you need the extra voltage at coil to start. You probably could achieve this with a relay or use a later starter like a 235 6 cyl. starter if it would fit. They have an R terminal that sends the 12 volts to the coil only on crank.
Great instructional Video very helpful
How did you reduce your radio to 6v? Great easy to follow vid. Changing over a 53 Chevy 150 to 12 volt. Using your vid to do this.
Thx again
Ebay has a (CHEVY DELCO ALTERNATOR HARNESS ANTI- FEEDBACK DIODE 10SI 12SI 15SI 27SI wire) which come with both harnesses for $10, in case anyone was interested?
Good to know thanks..
Hey, thanks for the info. So if I add this I should not have to do anything to the line going to the ignition switch right?
Awesome sir......thankyou for some good info.
I like the Skyline, there are a couple that look just like it here in Pendleton Oregon, same color even , love the videos, "Drunk driver takes a swing" was great, the drunk made me laugh til I found out he had his kid with him, he got what he deserves. Keep up the vids
Interesting that the car has separate parking/turn signals. It didn't leave the factory that way.
You are correct. Turn signals were added later. They are glass lenses also which is kinda cool.
There is no need to convert 6 volt cars to 12 volts, all you have to do is use the correct 1 gauge battery cables and a group 2 or larger. If you want still more juice, just use an 8 volt battery. All you will have to do is re-adjust the regulator. Even Amazon sells them.
Nice car, mine has been in the family for like 50+ years its a late 53, ppl think it's a 54, depending on how rough it is when I get started, I may just lightly sand it, and put a coat of satin clear , and leave the paint faded,
Awesome detailed video thank you.
Mighty Thorough. Mighty Helpful.
Your dome lamp is a 1004 not a 1156. They are two pin bulbs and are not grounded. The ground connection is the door switch.
fiddlerpin GOOD JOB. You were paying attention. 🇺🇸🇺🇸😎
Hi Eric can you help me I've got a 38 Chevy 6 volt stopped charging. Got a good battery, I don't see a voltage regulator anywhere. The original generator Delco Remy has a little square box mounted to it, is that the regulator built on? How do I check this thing ? What should it be putting out I have a volt meter. Thanks
What should a person pay to have a mechanic switch my 1953 Chevy BelAir with the 6 cyl engine from 6 volt to 12 volt? I am disabled and unable to do it myself, besides I have no tools, just wondering if you could tell me what a fair price to do this would be? Thank you, loved your video.
Reach out to generation old school on TH-cam and Facebook. I think he would be able to help you in that area.
Hi ive got a 38 Chevy with 6v generator im having trouble can you help? Ive got a few questions, thanks.
hey Eric great great video doing the same to my 52 also and using your video as tutorial. 1 question instead of using a light bulb to see if system charging can I tap into the gen light for same result ?
****** WARNING ****** YOU MUST NOT RUN THE ALTERNATOR WIRING THROUGH THE ORIGINAL AMMETER IN THE ORIGINAL GUAGE CLUSTER. ****** If the electrical load is large due to Air Conditioning, Radiator Cooling Fans, a Powerful Aftermarket Stereo, Head Lights on, etc., etc. you may be using the full 63 amps of the 10SI alternator. The original #10 gauge wire to the ammeter is only rated for 30 amps and the old style insulation does not have a high temperature rating and will catch fire easily ! At the very least add a #14 gauge fuse link in series with the alternator wire and also a #14 gauge fuse link in series with the battery feed that comes from the starter.
After a long cranking session on a cold morning that alternator is capable of pushing way more charging current into the battery than the ammeter and OEM wiring is designed for.
If the alternator were to quit working the entire electrical load would be passing through the ammeter and it's wiring.
There is a reason NO modern automobile is built with an in dash ammeter. All the big wire and heavy current should be under the hood, not inside the car !
Just a quick look at the ratty condition of the insulation tells me he should not be giving electrical advice.
Question , I have a 54' Bel air , switched to 12v Ron Francis harness , changed heater blower to a 12v motor , will the heater control switch ( has coiled resistor wire) in control panel handle the 12 volts?
I would think it would being your just passing amperage through it. I never switched my motor or switch and it handled the 12 volts. I'm not sure how long the motor would have handled it but when I sold the car it was still working.
@@ericsscout thanks very much !
blinker light looks like my reverse lights on my 1950 pontiac.
Good evening Erick, I installed an alternator and a 12volt coil and now the car cranks over but will not start . I installed a new fuel pump and fuel lines from the tank to the carb the carb was also rebuilt. Do you think the points could be bad.?
fantastic video.
stanley smith thank you. I do these just to help people that are looking just like I do.
awesome job and great history.
hey eric is this the same type of alternator/compressor belt you are using ? New Classical Style V Belt B41 B-41 5L440 5/8" x 44 40 degree angle ,.43 " high by .66" wide ?
I also have a 52 but ragtop and thanks for awesome info you missed the licence plate one ??
will all these light bulbs the same on a 1953 Chevy bel air 235?
The light bulbs should be the same
What do you recommend for Amp/ Voltage dash gauges?
Thx,
Eric - i noticed you left the old wiring. What are your thoughts about leaving the wiring and not updating it? Is there a fire hazard when converting from a 6 to 12 volt system?
My wiring was in good shape and the 6 volt wiring has a higher amp rating than the 12 volt does. As long as your 6 volt wiring is still good it will handle the 12 volts with less amperage no problem.
What signs do you look for when determining whether it is good or not? I have a ‘46 Power Wagon from OK and I think the dirt protected the wiring more than anything.
when you did the 6 volt to 12 volt conversion did you use a Voltage Reducer Regulator for your gages?
also wen are you going to put the light bulbs list
Only a regulator to the fuel gauge. I didn't end up getting a list together before I sold the car. I do remember several bulbs were the 1156 though. Tail lights, parking lights, etc. Headlights were a standard 7 inch round head light. If you take your dash light bulb to the parts store they should be able to cross reference it pretty easily.
HETY BROTHER I HAVE A QUESTION I REPLACED MY STEERING WHEEL AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WIRE UP THE ORIGINAL HORNS I REPLACED THE THE RELAY BUT IT STILL DOESNT FUNCTION..THERES A WIRE THAT RUNS DOWN THE STEERING COLUM BUT ITS CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ANY IDEAS WILL BE HELPFUL..WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU CAN HELP ME THANKS
R1ko3 Grande in your steering wheel the horn button connects tfat wire to the steering column . steering column is ground . suggest replacing wire through steering column to horn relay .wire comes out the bottom of steering gear box . if insulation on wire goes bad ,horn will blow when it wants to . can be embarassing !
Hello, the guys that is doing the changeover from 6 to 12 volts in my 1950 tells me that he doesn’t need to install a voltage reducer for the fuel pump and that nothing will happen if he hooks up the 12 volts leaving everything the same as it was before with the 6 volts. What do you think of that?
I believe the 12 volts will make it read inaccurately at best. It's a resistance reading from the sending unit in the tank. It very well could burn out the guage also, like a light bulb.
@@ericsscout is what’s your advise? To leave it without the voltage reducer? Also is the fuel pump on the cars mechanical? In the last video I posted, I showed how he did the conversion. I would appreciate if you look at and tell me what you think. The video is in Spanish.... I’m Cuban American.
@@GenerationOldschoolEspañol beautiful car and I loved seeing the inside of his shop. Your fuel pump is still mechanical so no changes there. If it were me I would install it as it's cheap insurance for the gauge. Rebuilds on those are kind of expensive.
@@ericsscout my gas gauge hasn’t worked since I bought the car. So I shouldn’t worry about the voltage reducer unless I fix it? Also to fix that gauge, I would need to replace the sending unit or I need to replace the whole gauge assembly?
@@GenerationOldschoolEspañol ot would depend on which one is bad. I would bet the sending unit is bad. It's a resistance measurement based on how far up or down the float is. You could pull the siding unit and check it with an ohm meter and that would tell you if its working or not. I would guess ots bad though being 70 years old. Check the wire on top of it first for a clean and tight fit.
Was that a tube radio?
For that vintage it most certainly would be, including a vibrator to power the tubes.
The guy who wired my 1954 Chevy did not put a resistor on the radio. He turned it on and I guess fried it. Is that fixable at all?
Not unless you can find a vintage radio repair company. There are some out there but you are going to pay $$$ for it
Wow. Ok thanks. And thanks for the video. This was the most help I've found anywhere. Helped me rewire my 54 Chevy.
I am surprise you didn't change the starter/solenoid out for a 12 volt?
To change to a 12 volt starter requires changing the flywheel also on these cars. The starter handles it with no issues and starts the car amazingly fast.
What about the starter??? Did you change that out?
Nope. It loved 12 volts. Started amazing every time
did you have to change your fuel gauge,and sendinging unit
oz cor no. I just dropped the voltage to the gauge.
Did I miss you mention anything about the windshield wiper motor and needing a new starter? It looked like the starter solenoid was original.
Jason Wilson wipers are vacuum powered so no change there. Starter motor has no trouble on the 12 volts and it's all original.
What about the starter will it stay.
Warren Kruger yep original starter stays and works great!
That should have read starter not stater.
HEY ERIC. I MADE A NEW CHANNEL
Subscribed
Literally the best in depth video on TH-cam not only telling you how to do it but also a little knowledge on why 👍🏻 quite helpfull and enjoyabke
Thank you
Followed your video step by step on my 1954 Chevy, very informative video and everything worked first time. The only thing was I didn't know what terminal to attach the wire to on the ignition on mine there are four terminals, but I hooked it up to the one that said ignition and it worked like a charm great video
Great job Eric! I'm currently converting my 1948 Chevy pickup. This really helped. FYI, I bought all the component you mentioned as a kit from Vintage Auto. All in cost was over $400. Wish I had watched your suggestions before hand.
I'm glad it helped. at least now you don't have to be concerned you didn't buy all the right parts. Sometimes a kit is nice.
If you run that red wire to a main junction such as the fuse box input, or run it to the starter like stock gm cars it will compensate for losses in wiring. That's why they do it because the power comes from the battery cable at the starter and upstream from there, and if choose the inside fuse panel or wherever it connects from battery of course and you'll get 14.4v to everything as long as it goes to the main junction somewhere within. I'd pick the longest run. And to the end of that run and you'd be shocked at the difference, especially since the times where you'd use something with heavy amperage like the lights it wouldn't drop down and dim nearly as bad and your lights would be nice and bright particularly if you've used at least 14awg to the headlights and for the taillights do 2357 or 7528, the 7528 is noticeably brighter but actually uses less power and not as hot. 2357 is brighter brake lamp but uses more power and much hotter. So I use 7528. And for the front turns you should use 1156A for yellow. At least that's what I do and they work great. And for the 1156 clear use 3497 bulbs they are almost twice as bright but same wattage. They are all legit upgrades for modern day incandescent bulbs. And the clock usually you can use a 1155 in it's place and the only benefit would be 5,000hrs or 10,000 hours on the 1155long life vs 800hrs on the 89.
hey buddy how are you? I have a question for you: Once i make the car 12 volts, where can i find a battery tray for the new battery since the 12 volts battery is going to be bigger than the 6 volts and it wont fit on the 6 volts tray?
I didn't have a problem fitting a 12 volt battery in place of the 6 volt. If you need a new tray though, National Chevy Association or a number of other companies should carry them.
Thank you very much for posting this video. This is one of the best, most complete and thorough instructional videos we have seen on the net. Very, very good video. Thank you and God Bless You !!...
Thank you
My 52 Styleline doesn't have the extra turn signal bulbs, it's the deluxe model, does that make a difference? Also, it has the 235 engine with the powerglide trans, factory stock. I've been having all kinds of problems lately with spark, the turn signals have never worked, and the brake signals aren't working anymore either.
Seeing someone with basically the same car as me, I'd love to pick your brain about some of the work you've done. I'm going to be watching all your videos!
That car has the 216 with the 3 speed transmission in it. Check your brake switch which is on the firewall for adjustment.
I would also suggest a voltage converter to convert the 12v back to 6-7volt for the proper voltage for the fuel guage and gas tank sender to work without burning up. What has been your experience?
Thank you, Eric, for these informative videos. I have a 1950 Chevy Styleline 4-Door 3.5L that I'm getting ready to convert. I’m fed up with the 6Volt system. Please continue to upload all the updates you’re doing to your Styleline so we can learn from your experiences.
I just bought my dads 50 chevy convertible DeLuxe from my sister. before he passed he was converting it to 12volt. I don't know where he left off but your video will help me out tremendously! Hope that he change all those things! Thanks for sharing this with us. Trying to start it and found out there was a hotwire from ignition switch going know where and he put a kill switch on it. I figure it out.....I hope!
Thanks again!
Great video, very informative! The alternator and brackets could be picked up at a junkyard for $20-30. I have pulled a few for different cars and tested them at the parts store free of charge.
Dan R from what vehicle will the brackets and alternator work?
i guess Im asking randomly but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Jason Roberto instablaster :)
@Ramon Jack i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out now.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Ramon Jack It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out !
What about the negative side of the coil do you just run a wire and ground it off?
I had a 53 Pontiac back in the 1966. Paid $15. Was only 6 cyl but fast because body had rusted away and engine had built up high compression over the years. Am doing 6 -12 v conversion on 1966 English motorcycle that is POS ground, so (if I keep it Pos ground) do I run the hot ignition wire (neg. one from ign switch) to the resistor and then the Neg. side of the coil rather than the Pos? Is the idea just to resist the input to the coil? Oh, but this bike like many others (Harley, Honda) has the high tension cable going directly from coil to spark plug, the "distributor" (c.b. points) is earlier in the system. So maybe the resistor is just for automobile type where high tension cable runs from coil to distributor and distributor to plugs?
Would a resistor on the blower motor reduce the voltage enough to slow it down?
There is no need to convert to 12 volts. Just use the correct 1 gauge battery cables, and a Group 2 or larger battery, and you will be fine. You can use an 8 volt battery if you want. All you have to do is re-adjust the regulator. The auto makers when to 12 volts as a cost save, rather than as a real upgrade.
Not sure if you fixed it already but I know why your dome light is always on
Why
Why do the dome lights stay on. I’m having that problem
The light housing is grounding to the roof rail, the headliner between the light housing and the roof is the only insulation from it grounding out. All I did was get some insulating pads and place them where my headliner used to be and problem solved. And I went through my entire dome light harness trying to figure out this simple fix 😅 hope this helps!
@@matt5593 thank you that helps.
the ignition coil for 12 volt you can use a bosch blue coil for a volkswagen beetle they are internally resisted for a points replacement you can use a Pertronix ignitor kit that goes in your distributor as they have the original ignitor if its a non resisted coil you have to use a ballast resistor with thi ignitor l the pertronix ignitor ll the ballast resistor is optional as it works will with internally resisted coils. as they have ignitors that fits various distributors. as the magnet sleeve goes over the points cam. as the ignitor ll is more reliable better for daily drivers. as the ignitor fits in the stock distributor so no aftermarket distributor needed. and you don't need points anymore but save your points for backup.
Im wanting to do the same process on a semi truck of similar age with a large 6 cyl gas motor. How does the 10si charge at idle? Does it require revving to charge?
I think a voltage regulator would've protected certain circuits. I have one on my firewall. I did however have to change my plastic tail light lenses to handle the brighter 12 volt power
I own a 1951 Styleline Chevy Deluxe should I follow this as a tutorial or is this not similar enough?
Eric, Just one question Why don't you run a new wire to the accessories rather then patch into a wire that is 70 years old? I'm not saying all the wires but anything in the engine compartment or what goes to the dashboard.
I’m converting my 52 Belair Deluxe. What battery did you go with?
Your conversion is OK exept 2 little items
a) the red wire of the alt regulator goes to battery positive post, in your setup, the alternator ignores the voltage drop in the charging wire and as the consumption increases, the effective voltage to the battery posts decreases, I suggest you to install a 20 to 50 ohm resistor in parrallel to the charging warning light in the event it burns, OMC uses a diode to prevent after run issue.
b) in your ignition circuit, you should bypass the ballast resistor to start, I've done it using a Bosch relay and using the starter signal wire to trigger the relay
As long you don't abuse the starter, it will not cause issues
the biggest problem is the gauges, the best way is to measure the amperage and build a resistor bank to drop from 12 to 6 volts.
I don't think you can do the same thing with the radio as on the 6 volt system, the ground is positive and on the 12 volt system, the ground is negative
I also have a 52, but in the middle of a full frame off restoration. I also have a 41 I'd like to convert as you did with your 52. Would this be the same for my 41 with a 216?
Im curious, Is your starter still working? I hear that the 6 volt starter spins to fast and will self destruct under 12 volt power
Starter loved the 12 volts.
I converted to 12 volts on my 48 chevy pickup 2 years ago. 6 volt starter still works fine.
I believe it was a mistake to convert to 12 volts. 6 volts worked well when new.
Hi, you are awesome for doing this and showing us how to do it. Would it be the same process for. 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster? It’s a 6 cylinder same as your car. Everything is extra dim. -thank you
Should be very similar if not the same
can you upload a video explaining the benefit of 12 volts vs 6 volts? also coould you upload a video where you explain what engine oil to use?
That's what I need
The biggest advantage is availability of electrical parts (lamps, batteries, accessories and other electrical parts), which in most cases are a lot less expensive than the 6V counterparts. Another advantage is improved power delivery to the vehicle electrics, since a 12V accessory will draw half the current of the equivalent 6V part (assuming the same wattage rating). This means less power lost as voltage drop in the vehicle wiring connecting the accessory. And in many cases, the 12V item may draw _less_ than half the current simply from sdvances in the technology (such as LED lamps compared even to the incandescent versions). Still another advantage is greatly improved charging systems. Even the basic alternator shown in this video will easily outperform any generator type charging system, not only providing more power, but also doing so at engine idle, which most generators are incapable of. These are the same reasons cars first went to 12 volts in the mid-50s, then to alternators in the '60s when solid state technology made them practical.
you can buy the flat metal steel at home depot 2 or 4 ft long and make all your brackets cheap for alternator
I like wearing my CO,H2s,So2 meters
I have a 53' Belair I want to convert to 12v I have plenty of alternators, I can rebuild to one wire! I would kinda like to swap to v8. Or 4.3L v6, or maybe a 1984 250 I6 would look more at home, I'd like to add power steering. But mainlyid like to swap in a 4speed trans, or a 700R auto, with a 3.42 gear and a decent set of 17" or so rims and tires, even if I go with the 250 and 700R, with 3.42 gears, it should run decent, I want decent milage, decent power, i may go with a 283 or 305 I have a .060" 283, but its moe of a hotrod engine, with Dz302 goodys on it, cam included, I don't need power from 4k-7200+ RPM a nice sounding base model mid 60's style v8 should fit the bill decently! I do hate to get rid of the clutch peddle! A 4speed on the column, with a hidden reverse would be something, freak ppl out thinking you gonna take off in reverse! Ha-ha!/!;!
I put a truck engine and automatic transmission 250 -350 for my set up on my 1947chevy coupe stylemaster with disc brakes in the front 5on5 lugs. It runs way better when I bought it 15 year's ago bought it for 2,500. Body and floors had no dents or holes in it.
Thanks for the great video, Eric. This kind of tutorial info really helps when you're tackling a project like this for the first time (the second time is ALWAYS much easier/faster). I am curious about the impedance value of the resistors you used. Looks like the ballast resistor (for the ignition) that I see on line are 1.4 to 1.6 ohms. Is that what you used? Also, I would also like to know what value resistor you used for the gas gauge. Thanks for the great video, Brother! -Lee
I couldn't yell you values of the resistors as I don't know exactly what they are. A quick search should solve that though. The ballast resistor for the coil is a stock 60's-80's dodge vehicle (any of them work) and the gas gauge is one that I bought from a shop called Bow Tie Bits. Hopes this helps and thank you.
What is the olmage rating of those resisters used on the various circuits?
Your 1952 Chevy happens to have the Powerglide automatic transmission. How would you change out the pilot light bulb on the selector?
Ray Fridle
what alternator pulley did you buy? when im placing the order it shows two different sizes of alternator pully
Great video!! You said when you changed the coil you had some issues with your points and you said you fixed the issue that it was a ignition issue. Can you reply and tell me what that issue was please I’m having the same issue right now thank you.
If I recall the only issue I had was when o had the extra wire going to the coil. The points can't handle a full 12 volts so running it through the resistor made it all work.
What would be the difference if using a 1 wire alternator? I wired mine just liike the video and something is draining my battery.
What did you find out?
Thanks for taking the time and explaining everything so well. Enjoyed your video.
Will this set up work on my 52 dodge pick up
Would that procedure work with a 1954 cadillac I swapped the engine with a 350 Chevy
So I can install a lamp and that can act in place of the diode? Great video!
I CANT FIND THOSE BRACKETS ANYWHERE ?!?!? 😞
How come my starter has burned up three times in one year
Do you know of a supplier of parts for these old cars, I hot old trucks handled, I have a few old chevy trucks, 50_ 55, 57, 58 , 63, 68GMC, 82chevy,
I have a '53 I had a friend who was a mechanic convert for me some years ago. Well my problem is a I recently got a new battery to star it up after it sitting for a while. I found a turning signal clicking away when I climbed in( showed the battery was hooked up). When I hit the starter switch it just went "click " and that as it . Now nothing comes on.. What should I check and test?
Thank you so much for this, really well explained and has been a massive help on converting my ‘51 Styleline here in the uk. Great video!🇺🇸🇬🇧👍
For blower you can use one from a mid 80s to early 90s sqaurebody suburban or a k10 as well but the suburban one blows a lot faster and just has the normal state terminal. And for everything else use converters from Amazon such as for the radio they are like 10 bucks.
awesome video! very informative!
I'll build my own brackets 🤣 that's what I'll do.
For the RADIO, you can get a DC to DC converter. to buck the 12-15v to 6v it will output a steady 6v, running or not. for $20 or so, from AMAZON!
automobile belts are made to take a lot more abuse than a machine belt. thats why the difference in price. you may find the machine belt works ok for you. just keep an eye on it.
Can you use a 57 light bulb for the glove box?
Classic parts and a couple other parts sites offer a original looking 12 generator.. generators cut out the middle man (single diode rectifier) and produce straight DC current. Modern Alternators have either a single diode or a full bridge rectifier to make the AC into DC. If you’re going for the original look you can get a 12v generator rebuilt. The long one fit my 235 perfectly. The 216 might need a short though.
can you do a video explaining the main differences or benefits of the 12 volts vs 6 volts?
12 volt items are easier to get at any parts store and you can still keep it original looking. The 6 volt starter LOVES 12 volts. The factory wiring is more than sufficient as 12 volts has half the amperage as 6 volts so there's no need to change wiring unless its bad.
About to do conversation on 41 Chevy with 235... Thanks for all the info.. great heip.