Complete 6-12v conversion help

[stevensjames]

I am helping a friend with his project and have been searching the forums about converting from a 6v to a 12v. I have done this many times on Type1 and Type2 but this is first time for a Type 3 and so I need some help.
So, after searching for information I believe that I understand but just want to be sure I am correct. My plan is to find a '67+ 12v rear fan tin and generator mount, 12v generator, voltage regulator, bulbs, battery and misc. I had planned on using a 6-12v variable speed wiper controller from Mid American but is there any factory 12v wiper motors that will fit into a 6v car (1965)? Other than swapping flywheel, starter and bushing, as well as grinding inside trans for clearance is there anything else I need to be concerned with? Thank you

[ataraxia]

This topic has been covered quite a bit in the forum although the search function isn't always as helpful as one might expect.

Things to change:
Fan housing/generator strap - unless you buy a converted 6 volt generator. This is one of many places that can do it.
Generator (or converted 6 volt gen)
Voltage regulator
Relays
Bulbs
Battery
Starter/bushing - another option is to get a 12 v starter with the 6v teeth so you don't have to change the flywheel. IMI makes a self supporting starter that bolts in with no mods and no need for a bushing.
Wiper motor - you could use a step down
Clock

Debated items:
Relays
Fuel gauge
Headlight switch
Wiper switch

I suggest swapping the relays so that you don't wind up doing it 3 months later when the OE relay fails.

[Tram]

[ataraxia]

[stevensjames]

Thank you for the assistance. I have seen the 12v starters with the 6v gear and that seems would be good direction as I have used 6v with 12v and had issues after time with damage to ring gear. I have not seen any rewound generators though. Are the T3 Generators the same as T1? I used a small diameter Porsche generator on my 36hp engine so if that would work for a T3 also then would go that direction also. I new to T3s so sorry for dumb questions and I have not started working or even look in depth at the car yet so going off information and photos I can find. Thanks again.

[Erik G]

[JeeJeeJason]

[KTPhil]

Is the flywheel damage caused by the 12V starter motor itself, or the kick of a 6V solenoid run on 12V slamming the gear teeth together?
If the latter, can you fit a 12V solenoid on a 6V starter?

[Donnie strickland]

My 66 Bug was converted to 12 volt when I got it. Here's what I had still 6 volt:

-- Wiper motor. I used a variable resistor with a knob, which worked well. After about 15 years I converted to a 12V armature, which gave me one speed. I much preferred the variable resistor, so I could get different speeds.

-- Starter motor. The first one lasted 13 years, I replaced it with a new 6V starter, that one was still on the car 4 years later when it was totaled. I never had any issues with flywheel damage.

-- Headlight relay. The 6V relay was working when I got the car, so I figured I'd leave it on until it crapped out and then replace it with a 12 volt model. It was still on the car 17 years later.
_________________
71 Elm Green FI A/T Squareback

[Tram]

[ataraxia]

[MacLeod Willy]

[Tram]

[ataraxia]

[Bobnotch]

On my son's 65, we just used the entire wiper assembly out of a 69. Fit like it was made for it. We did have to open the hole in the dash for the 2 speed wiper switc, no big deal though. A little trimming of the ivory knob, and it fit right in place, and looks stock.

On my 65 Notch, I used the wiper assembly out of a 70 (1 year only), as I wanted the better wiper arm set up. Modified the dash for the 2 speed switch too. No problems with it in 14 years.

On my 64 T-34, I just swapped the motor (bolted right on), then reworked the wiring from the PB switch unit. Worked fine for me. I did add a 2nd switch to control the 2 speed unit.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[61 BUS]

Other items that need to be swapped out to 12V parts:

Choke elements
Carburetor idle cutoff valves
_________________
61 Bus, 2001 Eurovan GLS, 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, 47 Plymouth Business Coupe, 58 BMW Isetta 300

[Bobnotch]

[soupcups]

Has anyone tried to (I know this sounds sacrilegious) grind down the housing where the generator sits to accommodate the 12 volt one on a 6 volt shroud?

This is becoming quite a difficult task and I wish someone would have come up with a better way.

Thanks,

Jim

[Bobnotch]

[soupcups]

I've heard people don't do that anymore but ill look into it.

Thanks