Posted by Jonas on March 12, 19100 at 13:02:22:
In Reply to: 12 volt conversion posted by chuck on March 10, 19100 at 13:57:36:
Chuck, I have converted our WDX's and the plow truck, a WC52 to 12 volt. Why do you want 12 volts? For me, I needed it for cold starting in the winter as I live up in the Cascade mountians and I wanted a more reliable system. I looked into converting the gen., the auto electric shop said he would do it to the tune of about $250. I instead boxed up all my 6 volt parts then went and got a industrial 3 wire alt. with the internal voltage regulator for about $35 from NAPA. If I want to go back original all I need to do is put the Gen. and regulator back on. I assume you are going to upgrade your wiring also.
The installation is easy and can be done in a afternoon. I had to fabricate a brackett for the alt. as Vintage does not sell them seperate from their kit. Ballast resistors are placed between the coil (12 volt) and the dist. and in line to the blower motor. I replaced the headlamps with 12 volt ones, I can not remember the price on the WDX ones, but the WC were about $12.50 each (from NAPA). You'll also need tail light bulbs and interior light bulbs (if you have them). Everything works fine and they all start really easy. With the 6 volt system I was out there many times with another 6 volt battery and a set of jumper cables. Pain in the butt. The hardest part was making the brackett as the first couple of times I attempted to modify the original. best thing is to put it in the box with your gen., coil, V.R., and lights for later use and fabricate your own. I use 2" angle and bar stock at 1/8" thickness. What the heck, I'll make you one and send it to you along with a diagram of the wiring if you want.
My next project is the installation of a fuse box to controll any wayward volts. (although I havent had any problems yet!) As for the M-37, possibky the use ot a dist. from a slant six, and the same mods as stated above would provide you with the best results including electronic ignition. Gordon Maney got a M-37 from Robbins Fire Dept. I think around '93, as such many of those issues of the PWA in that year talked of M-37 electrical. Check the PWA index from Greg Coffin to be sure. Good luck, I hope I helped.