12V conversion question

[riderjdv]

The 53 Chieftain I just purchased has had a converstion to 12v. The previous owner said the only system affected is the starting system but it seems to me the lights and radio would require some step down in order to work properly.

Can anyone tell me if there is some kind of standard conversion kit I could research to find out how the wiring would have been affected or altered.

THanks
Jim

[Larry]

There are a lot of companies selling conversion parts, but I do not know how willing they would be to share details with our also selling their complete set-ups.

There are questions about these conversions all the time in Old Cars Weekly... also no easy one-size-fits-all answers either.

If 12 volts was switched in for starting, I assume charging was also (generator or alternator). Certainly bulbs, gauges, radio (perhaps more) would be affected.

If the bulbs aren't blowing out, they must have been switched to 12 volt. That's easy enough. But gauges have to be revised also, as well as sometimes coils point ballasts (if used), etc.

Take it one at a time, and check each item. Or find a good mechanic who works cheaply as this can take some detailed investigation work.