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12 Volt Conversion; what needs to be done
Topic Started: Mar 23 2009, 01:46 PM (799 Views)
1954cj3b
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I have a 54 cj3b that Im in prosess of rebuilding ,
My question is doese anyone have any input on the best way to do this conversion
thanks for any and all help
john
3b'ers do it on all 4's
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Larry (TX)
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John,

Your best and easiest 12 volt conversion is to go with one of the new single wire alternators (it'll have a built in regulator), battery, coil and lamp bulbs. Most auto supply stores and/or generator and alternator service shops sell such.

By going one step further, you can add a 12 V Pertronix electronic ignition to eliminate the need for a condensor and points set in the distributor cap, and a 12 to 6 volt resistor on the firewall for use with the older 6 V coil; (if you go with the Pertronix set-up, I'd recommend using their hotter coil and better plug wires as well). Your old 6 volt starter will work on the 12 V system, but will spin the engine over faster.

Lastly, if your '54 has an original wiring harness that may not be in great shape, I'd recommend changing out the harness.

Larry S.
Larry Steed
Pearland, Texas
'53 Willys CJ3B
'52 Willys M38
'86 Chevy M1009 CUCV (K5 4x4 Military Blazer)
M100 1/4 ton jeep trailer
M416 1/4 ton jeep trailer (2 ea.)
M101 CDN 1/4 ton jeep trailer
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Rus Curtis
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John,
Another possibility is to purchase a used 12V gen and a 12V regulator. Have the generator checked for servicability and it will be a direct bolt-in.

Many have indicated their preference for an alternator. I'd suggest you do some research shopping and get a pencil and paper to compare what you'll spend on the different options you're considering and the amount of alterations you'll need to perform to make them work.

Bulbs will be common to all options (and therefore can be omitted from comparison).

I went the 12V gen route and like it. My choice to convert was the many problems I had with charging and starting. That was before this website. If I knew then what I know now, I may have left it stock. Regardless of which way you go, no system will work flawlessly and maintenance free if its not set up correctly and properly maintained.
Rus Curtis
Alabama
'54 CJ-3B "Green Gruntt"
Bantam T3-C
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Don
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http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/SixVolt.html

There is an article on the tech page about that subject. It will answer some of your questions. Come on abck with any you need more detailon. This BB will have someone that can help.

Good luck
Don Norris
Southeast, NC

1953 CJ3B
1959 Jeep Pickup
195? M100 trailer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The trail never ends
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If lovin' Jeeps is wrong,
I don't wanta be right.
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1954cj3b
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looks like some good info on that page
Ill have to read it a little more carfuly
thanks for pointing me in the right direction ,
only reason Im doing conversion is to run a
winch and a few other odds and ends jeep already
has a new harness from painless wires so Ill have
to do a little more studying befor I jump into it
thanks
john
3b'ers do it on all 4's
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