Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. Well. my opinion is to NOT convert an originally 6 volt restoration project to 12 volts. Let me just point out some of the reasons people go to 12 volts and how to work around these issues and keep the 6 volt system

I want starting power!

Use an Optima 1000 cold cranking amp battery. They are available in 6 volts and provide plenty of starting power

What if I need a jump start?

Are you out with other 6 volt cars? Carry jumper cables. If not carry a second 6V battery in the trunk and you can jump yourself!

I want a GPS or a CD player and my IPOD doesn’t run on 6 Volts.

Go buy a 6 to 12 volt solid state DC to DC converter there are even inverter/converters if your car is positive ground. Then run your specific application on that.

Well my lights are not bright enough how am I going to get my lights brighter with 6 volts?

If new copper wire doesn’t give you more amperage to your headlights then try the following:

1. use 6 volt halogen lights
2. use 6 volt headlight relays
3. use a modern reflective surface on your old silvered reflectors
4. use 6 volt LED lights

What if I want to add safety features like turn signals?

6 Volt lights are easy enough to come by. You can even go to http://www.ynzyesterdaysparts.comand have a wire harness custom built with turn signal wiring. They can even make your park lights and brake lights blink so you do not have to add any extra lights or change the car in any way. They can provide a switch that mounts on the steering column or one that can be hidden so no one knows that you have added turn signals.

If the resale value of your car is important or if you want to show your car in concours then it is best to leave it original. If this doesn’t matter to you then you still have to weigh the cost/benefit of staying 6 Volts and using the workarounds mentioned above or doing the tedious task of converting the car to 12 volts.

Next time… Ok I think I still want to convert to 12 volts what do I need to do?