TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Feb 02, 2013 10:44 am

I am tyring to find out if anyone knows how to increase the output of a 6v generator to 12v. I dont know if it has been done or can be done. I am curious becasue I would like to convert my bug from 6v to 12v while keeping the stock 36hp engine and as original appearing as possible. I know on the 40hp engine you just change the generator stand and generator but how do you do it with a 36hp? If anyone has done this or knows anything about it and can point me in the right direction I would be greatful. Thank you in advance for your info.

Sat Feb 02, 2013 11:16 am

I think most people use a 12v generator from a Porsche 912.

They are 12v but have the same small diameter as a 6-volt Beetle generator.

However, they are not cheap, $150-$200 from what I have seen.

The last one I had was fairly clean and I sold it for $200.
It was still untested however and may have needed a rebuild/refresh.

Sat Feb 02, 2013 1:32 pm

thank you for your help. I could not find any deffinate information when searching. I did see some information on the Porsche generator but did not know which one to use. I dont mind the cost as long as I get to keep my original engine. Do I use the standard 12v VW voltage regulator? Sorry about more questions, I just want to do this right and am not used to these older style engines. Thank you again for your help and time :D

Sat Feb 02, 2013 3:17 pm

The Bosch rebuild number used to be GR26X for that Porsche generator. Here's a thread where I discussed regulators:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=387997&

Sat Feb 02, 2013 4:57 pm

Here is another thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=384314

Sun Feb 03, 2013 8:31 am

I purchased one from BNR Parts on Ebay a couple years ago. I still have not installed it and is sitting with the other parts in my garage waiting to be installed. They still list them. They have a generator, generator with 12v regulator screwed on the outside, and a generator with a dummy 6v regulator screwed onto it but they throw in a 12v solid state regulator also. Not cheap though, either that or keep looking at swap meets for a good used unit and have it rebuilt.

Sun Feb 03, 2013 9:31 pm

I am in the process of doing this myself. I found an auto electric place and he rewound the 6 volt generator so it would produce 12 volts. Same outer with new inners. It wasn't cheap, about $220. might try it.

Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:50 pm

tcwing, Is the place you had rewind your 6 to 12 volt in Sacramento? That's a steal at $220. That place that vdubmyk mentioned wants $550 for the same thing only with a dummy 6 volt reg. on top!

Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:57 am

gheezerghia wrote: tcwing, Is the place you had rewind your 6 to 12 volt in Sacramento? That's a steal at $220. That place that vdubmyk mentioned wants $550 for the same thing only with a dummy 6 volt reg. on top!
I told you it wasn't cheap. It wasn't that expensive when I got mine. He does however use new armatures and windings. I've tried local rebuilders but all have said they couldn't do it and were unable to locate a 12v armature. Good luck

Tue Feb 05, 2013 7:29 pm

vdubmyk, I'm still considering purchasing one from them since nobody else seems to be converting them? Hey is your bug pearl white?

Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:24 am

Yup. good old L87. This is my second 64 pearl white car. My first car was the same and I always regretted selling it. When I found this one, I had to have it. It has GREAT documentaion. Original service recipts dating from 1965-1985, OG window sticker, OG sales contract. I'm gonna eventually finiish the 12V conversion with a dummy 6V regulator to keep the stock look. I'm gonna mount the VR under the back seat and run new wire up the B pillar to the fuse box. I even got a 67 battery cable that has the small power wire from the battery that goes to to the VR.

Wed Feb 06, 2013 12:50 pm

Nice vdubmyk! I'm restoring a pearl white 64 for my wife. Her grandfather had one that he brought back from Germany. Her mom wanted to sell it to us for some crazy amount and we couldn't afford it at the time. I thought it should stay in the family, sadly she had other ideas for the car. So I picked this one up for the wife and I'm doing a pan off resto. Good times.

Sat Feb 09, 2013 9:45 am

Thank you all for your help. I am glad that Im not the only one who is doing this kind of conversion. I suppose most people rather jus change to larger generator or alternator setup since is more cost friendly. I have a 36hp engine and cannot change the stand like the later models and feel the cost of the Porsche generator setup is worth is if can keep my original engine. By the way, I was planning on painting it Pearl white also, thanks for mentioning the color code so I dont have to look that up :D

Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:41 pm

stevensjames wrote: I am tyring to find out if anyone knows how to increase the output of a 6v generator to 12v. I dont know if it has been done or can be done. I am curious becasue I would like to convert my bug from 6v to 12v while keeping the stock 36hp engine and as original appearing as possible. I know on the 40hp engine you just change the generator stand and generator but how do you do it with a 36hp? If anyone has done this or knows anything about it and can point me in the right direction I would be greatful. Thank you in advance for your info.

Hey here is a bit of news from an old school vw mechanic from the 80s. We used to put a 12v regulator on a stock 6v generator and every one I did put out a perfect 12v. The stock 6v generator puts out enough volts to charge a 12v battery no problem.
I know this is bad news for you guys spending 500 bucks on a 12 v conversion porche unit but good news for you guys with a 36hp wanting something more reliable.
I was actually shocked the first time I tried it. Give it a try before you get off your wallet.

Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:51 pm

stevensjames wrote: I am tyring to find out if anyone knows how to increase the output of a 6v generator to 12v. I dont know if it has been done or can be done. I am curious becasue I would like to convert my bug from 6v to 12v while keeping the stock 36hp engine and as original appearing as possible. I know on the 40hp engine you just change the generator stand and generator but how do you do it with a 36hp? If anyone has done this or knows anything about it and can point me in the right direction I would be greatful. Thank you in advance for your info.

Hey here is a bit of news from an old school vw mechanic from the 80s. We used to put a 12v regulator on a stock 6v generator and every one I did put out a perfect 12v. The stock 6v generator puts out enough volts to charge a 12v battery no problem.
I know this is bad news for you guys spending 500 bucks on a 12 v conversion porche unit but good news for you guys with a 36hp wanting something more reliable.
I was actually shocked the first time I tried it. Give it a try before you get off your wallet.

I did this on my 57 and it ran for a few years until I sold it no issues. Just at idle it wouldnt charge.

Sun Mar 31, 2013 1:45 pm

Thank you for your info. I will give that a try as I really would rather not spend $450-$500 on the Porsche generator if I dont need to. I was planning on running a "dummy" 6volt regulator on the top of generator with the 12 volt regulator under rear seat so I wont lose anything by giving it a try. You mentioned not charging at idle but I dont see that as too big of a problem since I plan on actually driving the car and not just sitting around at idle. Thank you again, I going to give it a try just as soon as I can get the time to work on it after the holiday weekend.

Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:09 pm

So if you add a 12V regulator to it, do you change over all the other 6V items as well? Coil, battery, choke, light bulbs, etc?

Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:49 am

You will need to switch all of the lights, wiper motor, starter, etc to 12v. The starter will need to replace the bushing with a 12v bushing. The wiper motor can either use a voltage drop, a 12v armature from Wolfsburg West and on some years yoiu can install a 1967 wiper motor and switch that will also give you 2-speed wipers. I did not do anything more than replace the bulbs and add the 12v regulator but have noticed that the battery does not charge at low rpms and lights dim when at an idle. I also left the 6v starter in for now but dont recommend for the long term. This car is not driven very often so I remove the battery and just charge it as needed. In the future I plan on completely switching over to 12v electrical and installing the Porsche generator with a "dummy" 6v regulator on top to mimic the stock look and will put the actual 12v regulator under the rear seat. I hope that this information helps others with their own projects.

Tue Jun 11, 2013 4:10 am

Try these guys

http://www.maxted-pageandprill.com/products/product-details.aspx?id=16

Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:03 am

Stevensjames, Did you have to do anything with the dimmer switch for the head lights? Thanks for the help!