Hi I am working on a club members car it's a 1953 Commander V8 and he wants to convert it to a 12 volt system is there any Vendors that have kits made for Studebakers that have the 6 volt positive ground ? Has anyone used such a kit ? I have done this conversion before but I had to source out all the parts , do any of the Stude Vendors offer such a kit ? Thanks
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6 volt To 12 volt conversation Kit
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My question is WHY (6 to 12)? The only possibly valid reason is for air conditioning. I have even run a 12 volt negative ground radio in a 1953 Studebaker utilizing an invertor/convertor up behind the dash.
With the six volt system working properly it will be fine for the limited use that a 1953 will get.
To answer your question directly - I do not know of a vendor "kit", but there is a vendor that sells a book covering this conversion.Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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Originally posted by studegary View Post... there is a vendor that sells a book covering this conversion.
Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in process
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A properly maintained 6 volt system works just fine. There are a few reasons to convert, like for accessories. A 12 volt system doesn't make the car start or run any better.Chip
'63 Cruiser
'57 Packard wagon
'61 Lark Regal 4 dr wagon
'50 Commander 4 dr sedan
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostGreat move!...A 12 volt electrical system conversion will finally make a car out of that '53 Commander!
If I recall, you objected to someone reproducing body tags; but apparently major alterations are okay?Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in process
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Originally posted by rockne10 View PostEd, I was under the impression the '53 Commander was a car when it was manufactured! One that still commands admiration today. Please share your thoughts on why it could be anything less. My '53 is still great after 64 years.
If I recall, you objected to someone reproducing body tags; but apparently major alterations are okay?
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Originally posted by tim333 View PostI've had 6 6v cars, all were fine when maintained.
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I believe you will have to source out all the parts for this job. My '53 is converted to 12 volt but it already had a '56 289 in it when I got it 30 years ago and it was rigged pretty bad electrically. During the restoration I had the radio and clock converted to 12 volt so I only need a Runtz on the fuel and temp gauges. I just today received the last of my new wiring harnesses from Lark Works so all the wiring is brand new in the car. I plan on using LEDs for all the lights including headlights. I do believe had it been all original when I got it I would have left it 6 volt though.
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostOh sure, the auto manufacturers made a BIG MISTAKE when they switched over to 12 volts in the mid fifties!........Actually, in hindsight, someone right here on this forum explained to us why they switched......They did it to save on copper wire!!!!!Chip
'63 Cruiser
'57 Packard wagon
'61 Lark Regal 4 dr wagon
'50 Commander 4 dr sedan
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostOh sure, the auto manufacturers made a BIG MISTAKE when they switched over to 12 volts in the mid fifties!........Actually, in hindsight, someone right here on this forum explained to us why they switched......They did it to save on copper wire!!!!!
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