TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jan 09, 2003 7:14 am

I recently purchased a 65 Kombi for my kid.It has no engine. This is my first foray into these vehicles and was wondering if the charging/wiring is 6 or 12 volt. If 6 is it difficult or worth it to change to 12. Thanks for the help.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 7:40 am

Your Kombi is 6 volt. 1967 was the first year VW put 12 volt systems in their cars. Changing to 12 volt is mostly up to your personal preference. 12V stuff is a little easier to find, but there are plently of 6V parts available. If you do decide to switch to 12V, there are many tech articles available here and elsewhere on the net to walk you through the procedure.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 9:02 am

If your kid plans on installing a modern stereo or any other modern electronics, then it's advisable to go to 12V. Changing to 12V is so common now that it really doesn't change the value of the vehicle. It's also easier to find parts because most are for 12V set ups.

The first thing I would check in the bus is to see if it's not already set up for 12V. Check all the lights, that's an easy give away.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 9:42 am

I think vintagebus.com has an article somewhere on the conversion.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 10:31 am

Oh Yeah my kid has plans for the killer stereo. Thanks I never thought about that. I can't get over the kids reaction to this thing. They just love it and can't wait until it's finished. Thanks again for the help. I'm very happy to find VW people so nice and willing to share their knowledge with us rookies. Very refreshing change from the Mustang #!**<!! I've been dealing with.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 10:51 am

You're son's lucky to have a dad cool enough to work on a project with him--that doesn't seem to be as common as it used to be, unfortunately.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 10:58 am

Ahh Shucks you're making me blush. The old cars just keep me out of trouble.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 11:41 am

After 5 speeding tickets my dad was finally willing to work on the bus with me. Now I can't even go fast enough to get a ticket.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 12:10 pm

Hey Truckersmike, that comment about value is shared by and large?
That's the direction I was going with my post elsewhere on this site yesterday...
I think improving the vehicle (safety stuff)is mandatory and 12 volt electricals comes under that heading in my book.(and Jimmy Buffet sounds better with some serious bass)

Now, to go fast enough to get a ticket?
I don't think my truck will ever cross that bridge!

Thu Jan 09, 2003 12:31 pm

Upgrading to 12V has become as necessary as using modern tires instead of bias ply ones. I would say if you went to a VW event and asked around, you would find that maybe 90% or more of the people there are running 12V. Only the "restored to stock" guys and the "it's all original" guys keep it 6V.

Thu Jan 09, 2003 5:30 pm

VW started an option for 12 volt in the early 60's. Look for an "M" code plate on the bulkhead behind the front seat. If it has a number 620 in the code list it had a 12 volt system installed at the factory.