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Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:04 am

Is it possible to have a 6V generator off a 65 to be rewound and changed into a 12V generator? Just wondering

Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:57 am

Porsche made one. For the 356, I think. Get one of those. 6v 'diameter' with a 12v output. Maybe do a google search for that type of Porsche generator repair shop.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:01 am

Or just get a VW 12v generator and get the correct generator stand.

The Porsche 12v are very expensive and you only need them for a 36hp since the stand is integral with the case.

Porsche 12v generator ($295 + $200 core): http://www.nlaparts.com/store/generator-conversions-p-3015.html

Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 am

There was an old auto electric shop near me that used to convert them for me for years 6v to 12v. He used to charge me $60.00
He sold out some 15 years ago and now I can't find anyone that will do it.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 10:12 am

You can do it. The problem is that you reduce the output to a point where its almost unusable. My auto electric guy here in town will still do it for a reasonable price. Why though, what is wrong with 6V?

Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:47 pm

i will just buy the conversion kit then. its cheaper

Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:51 pm

Not to sound like a jerk, but what's your reason for wanting to ditch the 6v system?

Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:12 pm

Honestly, I think converting a 6V gen to 12V is a neat idea. I like the look of a stock engine compartment but the ease and reliability of 12V. I don't want to spend $300-$400 on a Porsche 12V gen so finding a reliable shop that can rewind a 6V gen to 12V is a cool idea. I see the orginal poster's point on doing this conversion and it's even something I plan to do in the future myself. I'm not trying to start a 6V vs. 12V argument but I haven't had to push start my '66 in over 3 yrs after converting to 12V.

Stretch

Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:15 pm

Stretch32 wrote: I haven't had to push start my '66 in over 3 yrs after converting to 12V.

Still trying not to sound like a jerk, but designed system voltage has nothing to do with having to push start a car.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:00 pm

I found a small diameter generator for $100, so keep an eye out. They're out there. I'm running a setup like you want, and I like it a lot.

My headlights are bright, if I need to buy a battery is on the shelf at every auto parts store, and my jumper cables are useful for helping other folks out. I can recharge my phone, and other electronic items off of my power system, and my portable air compressor compresses air when I put 12 volts into it.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:35 pm

Yellowbeard, no worries. I understand the argument and your right but 12V just seems to work alot better. It's so much easier to keep a battery charged or find accessories (lights, batteries, radios etc) for 12V stuff. When I bought my bug it was 6V but no matter how hard I tried to keep the system functioning smoothly I never could. I cleaned connections, had a new gen and battery, went through the wiring harness to check for issues and even had a hard start relay but it just nevered worked very well (dead batteries, low lights etc). I would convert back if I could make it work as well as 12V in a second but I don't think it will ever be that good on 6V.

Stretch

Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:26 pm

finding a battery is not an issue, its just that i want some decently bright headlights and all. I am not used to the 6V system and just thought a 12V conversion would be good. All I plan on putting in the car as add ons is just a new cd player and 4 speakers. no sub, extra lights, etc. the motor is just being rebuilt to a stock 1200 40hp. I am going with kinda a old school resto style.

Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:08 am

Shadd wrote: You can do it. The problem is that you reduce the output to a point where its almost unusable. My auto electric guy here in town will still do it for a reasonable price. Why though, what is wrong with 6V?

Please tell me where the shop is located and if you can get me the phone number. Thanks

Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:51 am

Sure, my dad is friends with the guy. I will ask him this afternoon

Wed Sep 23, 2009 4:35 pm

My bug has a converted 6 volt but it seems like you have voltage but no amperage so at night it slowly drains the battery to the point where the flashers don't work properly. During the day it keeps up and charges the battery . Pain in the butt.

Wed Sep 23, 2009 7:13 pm

I've given this a little more thought. On a 6v generator the amperage is limited by the diameter of the gen body. If you convert it to 12V you will cut that amperage in half. At idle your generator wouldn't be putting out enough to power the headlight let alone your cell charger and whatever else. So you would be cutting yourself off at the knees. The good news is a light bulb doesn't care weather its 6v or 12v. Given the same wattage a 6V bulb will put out the same luminous efficacy as a 12V bulb. in other words its just as bright.(my brother gave me a marker bulb for a F-16 and its 6V! bright as hell and rugged and it fits a peanut directional) Most old 6v bulbs are 35/45 watt and a modern sealed beam halogen is 55/65 watt. Even though you can't walk into you local Autozone and buy a 6V 55/65 watt halogen they do make them. You will need to get a H-4 base which is pretty easy, then use these bulbs http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/search.php?q=A-13007-E&x=0&y=0
If your still convinced that a 12V version of a 6V generator is just the bees knees and you want to experiment the shops info is
Lancaster Auto Electric
401 Garfield Ave Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 654 2899
ask for Lester :D

Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:15 am

ok so if it is regulated buy the diameter of the case, how can the porsche 12v generator put out enough to be sufficent? how can that be seeing that they are both the same case diameter? just a thought

Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:06 am

Shadd wrote: I've given this a little more thought. On a 6v generator the amperage is limited by the diameter of the gen body. If you convert it to 12V you will cut that amperage in half. At idle your generator wouldn't be putting out enough to power the headlight let alone your cell charger and whatever else. So you would be cutting yourself off at the knees. The good news is a light bulb doesn't care weather its 6v or 12v. Given the same wattage a 6V bulb will put out the same luminous efficacy as a 12V bulb. in other words its just as bright.(my brother gave me a marker bulb for a F-16 and its 6V! bright as hell and rugged and it fits a peanut directional) Most old 6v bulbs are 35/45 watt and a modern sealed beam halogen is 55/65 watt. Even though you can't walk into you local Autozone and buy a 6V 55/65 watt halogen they do make them. You will need to get a H-4 base which is pretty easy, then use these bulbs http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/search.php?q=A-13007-E&x=0&y=0
If your still convinced that a 12V version of a 6V generator is just the bees knees and you want to experiment the shops info is
Lancaster Auto Electric
401 Garfield Ave Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 654 2899
ask for Lester :D

I've had 20-30 of them converted over the years and never had an issue. My only problem was when Jack retired and I couldn't get them any more. Most cars including my own have at least an AM/FM radio, H-4 headlights and maybe an occasional gas heater.
I still have a converted one on my '60 that must be 25 years old or more and I have an orignal '65 Porsche unit on my '53 split window. I use a late regulator turned sideways in the stock location held down by the ground screw if anyone was wondering.

Thanks for the contact info !

Here's my '53 split with the stealth 12v 356 unit. I have a round regulator cover mounted to the square flange at the bottom of a square regulator.

Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:59 am

Bosch still makes the small diameter 12 volt generators new. I can get you one if you need it.

Thu Sep 24, 2009 3:40 pm

Dr Darby, when you converted them before did you use 180 watt Bug generators or 200 watt Bus gens? My guess is that the 12V Porsche gen is 200 Watt which has a slightly larger I.D. This rating is at 2600 rpm. I wonder what the output would be at idle. Any info on amperage output after the conversion?