Re: Model A 12v Conversion 2

Posted by Alex Billson on October 22, 1997 at 21:40:52

In Reply to: Re: Model A 12v Conversion
posted by Paul Koncak on October 21, 1997 at 18:00:38

:Paul, thanks so much for your reply and your thoughts. I fear I may have given the wrong impression. Converting to 12 volts will cost a bit more than a battery as I have to rewind he starter, buy an alternator, a new set of globes and make or buy a dropping resistor for the horn. Its not the few dollars saved that matters. In fact staying at 6 volts is the easy & cheap way out.
It is just that I have come to a decision point most other model A ers have already wrestled with. To be a purist or not.
I don't want to change without a bloody good reason (even revocable changes like a leakless water pump. radiator pressurisation. a 160 degree thermostat, instrumentation and new cast iron brake drums) It goes without saying that I plan to use modified repro parts only and restore original bits.
The 12v change is a first step as other electrical modifications revolve around it. I am thinking of brighter headlamps,a burglar alarm to protect my vulnerable bits and, dare I say electronic ignition.
All of the above should make my car a little more reliable, effecient and easier to repair on the road. I plan to go on long club trips (like Americans, Australians can occasionally get into top gear) and don't want to be a burden (read cop a raspberry or Bronx Cheer)by breaking down on a VDC club run and being towed home by a shudder Chrysler! Thais is more than my fragile ego could stand ( I have recently joined MAFCA in Victoria and have been a member of the Vintage drivers Association (VDA) for three years. I am not sure if the VDC stands for Vintage drivers or Vintage cars but the club has plenty of both
I have been using Mr Clinton's excellent bulletin board for about a week and had a good chuckle at the learned Mr Mike Flannagan's writings. Perhaps I should ask Mike for a list of what he has done to "Mr A" and just as importantly what conventional wisdom modifications he would not do (and the reasons why not). A big ask I guess.
Thanks again Paul I will consider your thoughts carefully.
: Alex,
: Use the 12V battery to go frog gigging or something.But keep the old car original.You have waited so long for it.Why quibble over a few dollars now.Ultametly that 12v battery will fail and have to be replaced.Then what?Save yourself a lot of trouble modifying and put a 6v battery back in it.
: Not a purist....but close.
: Have fun!
: Paul

Follow Ups:
Re: Model A 12v Conversion 2 John Icenhower October 24, 1997 at 00:05:32(1)
Re: Model A 12v Conversion 3 Alex Billson October 26, 1997 at 21:03:40(0)

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