Brian_Conway Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 HiI am working on a 1950 Desoto custome and want to convert it from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system. Right now it is set up for positive ground.I'm looking for some help on what I would need to do to accomplish this...I had a friend suggest a 12 to 6 converter for the panel lights, but I wasn't sure if that would be OK for the regulator and heater... Would I have to change out the starter and generator? Did they make a 12 volt generator and starter for this year?Oh, I need new wiper moters too...Any help would be appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_Conway Posted March 25, 2008 Author Share Posted March 25, 2008 Brian ConwayConway_brian@bellsouth.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I suggest you leave it 6 volt.Have converted cars over in the past unil I finally got wise. It's a lot of work for not much gain. If there is something wrong with your starter, ignition etc. changing to 12 volts won't fix it. You will go to a lot of work changing it, then have to fix what was broken in the first place.Easiest and cheapest answer, fix the 6 volt.Next easiest and cheapest, sell it and buy a 1955 up car that is already 12 volt.If you tell me what is wrong with the car I can help you fix it a lot easier and cheaper than changing it to 12 volt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I can also tell you that getting the original engine running will be easier and cheaper than installing a Chev V8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest robert1969 Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 HiI am working on a 1950 Desoto custome and want to convert it from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system. Right now it is set up for positive ground.I'm looking for some help on what I would need to do to accomplish this...I had a friend suggest a 12 to 6 converter for the panel lights, but I wasn't sure if that would be OK for the regulator and heater... Would I have to change out the starter and generator? Did they make a 12 volt generator and starter for this year?Oh, I need new wiper moters too...Any help would be appreciated!I have a 1950 Desoto custom it had a 6 volt i went and got an 8 volt batteryworks just fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 One problem is the transmission is controlled by solenoids and electric switches for which there is no substitute.Once again, the six volt system works fine if it is kept up. And it is easier and cheaper to fix whatever is wrong with it, than to change to 12 volts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest robert1969 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 But the system also works on 8 volt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Been driving flathead MoPars for 25 years now; they work fine on 6-volts.Make sure the electrical system is in good working order, with clean, tight connections and proper gauge wire (#2 or #0 for the Battery cables, NOT #4 or #6 cables from a 12-volt car!).Rusty's correct - it's just as easy ( if not easier) to fix the stock electrics than to go about "upgrading" to 12-volt / negative ground...Get a copy of the factory shop manual, and take your time going through the car, making everything "right". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest robert1969 Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 And where do you get a copy of a 1950 shop manual from ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jim_Edwards Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 And where do you get a copy of a 1950 shop manual from ?Ebay! Originals, reprints, and CD versions of the manual are available for prices ranging from typically $30 to $60.1950 deSoto manual items - Get great deals on eBay Motors items on eBay.com!Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 I agree with Rusty_OToole and DeSoto Frank--- Keep it 6 volt. V-8's and 12 are the easy way out now days. Make sure you have BIG proper high quality 6 volt battery cables-not those skinny little 12 volt cables. And get the factory shop manual and learn from it how to keep your De"Soto" running properly. They are a joy to drive in the stock form too!Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Johnson's Auto literature and Walter Miller Auto literature are two good sources for original manuals and other original literature; I believe both have e-bay stores or internet stores.Roberts' MOtor PARts and Andy Bernbaum are two reliable parts suppliers who both have on-line stores, and who usually carry re-prints of shop-manuals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Irv Bishko books will probably have what you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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