12v to 6v revert conversion

[evilwater61]

Hi folks!

Looking to do the unconventional by reverting back to 6v on my 61 ragtop. This car was given to me in a half done state. Horn, wipers, etc are still 6v. From what I can tell the generator and regulator are 12v. Can I simply get a 6v generator and regulator and replace? Are there other parts you can see I need from my pic? Thanks in advance!!!

[zerotofifty]

You may need a different generator stand, as many but not all 12 volt generators are a larger diameter than the 6 volt generators. Your 12 volt generator looks like it is likely the large diameter type, but I might be wrong. You might need a smaller generator strap too.
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[KTPhil]

Well, not to be obvious, but of course you need to exchange the coil, starter/solenoid, choke, bulbs, relays, ...

[evilwater61]

[sjbartnik]

[rcooled]

[matthew henricks]

Don't forget your choke element if you plan to connect it.
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1964 Original Owner build Thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=702135&highlight=

Ambulance Fan's. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627707&highlight=

Parts i am looking for:
64 bug nice used front/rear Black LHD floor mat.

[KTPhil]

Everyone forgets the dome light and burns it out when converting 6-12! Yours will be very dim if you don't change it out lol

[Ojai63dbl]

probably still 6V as usually not changed

but horn and wiper motor are 6V or 12v (PO might have put a resistor on it to drop voltage from 12V to 6V or replaced the armature in wiper motor)

BTW - I like 6V and except for brightness of headlights (6V LED could correct) . AM still thinking of taking the double cab back to 6V

[scottyrocks]

[KTPhil]

If you do this, you must either use new factory style crimps, or replace them with soldered and shrink tubed connectors, and make sure they are tight. This is for the entire path from battery/regulator, up to the headlight switch, to the dimmer, fusebox, and headlamp connector tabs. It's tedious, but this eliminates the voltage drops that make an old 6V system so dim.

[Sharp64]

Your car obviously, but why? Are you restoring the car back to 100% original? If not, why not just leave it? The 6volt lovers will tell you that its the best thing since sliced bread, but if you truly plan to drive and enjoy the car, 12v is way more convenient. Batteries are easier to get. Components are as well. Brighter lights, easier starts, less maintenance are benefits. Really zero drawbacks. If the flywheel and starter are both 6v, rock on. It'll start at the blip of the key. Radios are also easier and cheaper to find. I drove myself nuts cleaning and soldering every connection and splice. I cleaned all grounds. Replaced cables and ground straps. Cleaned switches, soldered the terminals on the fuse block etc etc trying to keep my 64 6v. Still had poor headlights and intermittent nom starting issues. 12v conversion and ZERO issues. Didnt even bother when I bought my 60. Already had the components on the way as it was being transported across the country.

my .03
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1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[rcooled]