whats the process for converting on a 51 ford?

my dad swears up and down that even with voltage reducers on the gauges it will fry them since they are pos grounded.


where are some tech articles and stuff on this procedure? btw the motor going in the ford at the time being is looking like a 351 windsor so the alt is the stock one for that and must be compatible with the system.


thanks yall

Google 12 volt conversions.

I hate to see another flathead replaced by a later engine. It takes all of the fun out of driving them.

Hi, Dad doesn't know his early Fords! The King-Seely electrical gauges (except generator AMP meter) are not polarity sensitive. They use a thermal bi-metal strip and coil at sender and in each gauge (fuel, temp, oil pressure). You must drop and regulate the voltage supply to the gauges of course and THEY are the devices that are polarity sensitive. So when you order a solid state regulator to be used make sure it is 12 volt negative ground to 6 volt (either side grounded) and feed this regulator's output ONLY to the supply lead to the gauge instruments (not their lamps too) or anything else. Of course, you need to reverse the wiring to the AMP meter back side.

I too am deeply distressed that you have plans to remove the most historic part of this vehicle, it's original flathead V8 engine then replace it with a modern OHV. Anybody can do that! Only real enthusiasts who recognize the extreme value of these original authentic cars can appreciate the $ value and pride of doing it right by rebuilding that perfectly good engine. But enjoy what ever you do and apply your best craftsmanship by alll means.
Regards, Rich

you can hear a Ford flathead blocks away and know what is coming, but that modern v-8 will just blend in with all the background noise. Plus you wouldn't have to go thru any or all of the modifications.