MTFCA Forum

Working on a 1927 T Speedster. Just bought it and going through it. I know little about the electrical system. It did have a 12v negative ground battery.

12v bulbs are working, 12v coil that came with it. The car was a positive ground and I changed it to negative ground so that the Pertronix would be happy.

But the generator shows 6v. I have an aftermarket voltage regulator. Haven't had it running enough to check the output of the gen.

Relatively new about Model T, but fascinated!

Could a 6v gen have been converted to 12v? I realize that Model T Fords are a different animal than any other cars, but, of course it has a lot in common, but different. EB White described the planetary transmission as part fiction and part metaphysics.

I don't know whether it will work with a voltage regulator, but with a cutout, the 6 volt generator will charge a 12 volt battery. One of my cars came with 12 volt when I bought it. Later I installed a 6 volt battery and it still worked.
Norm

Did someone install a Model A 6 volt cut out? They are positive grounded. Just Sayin.

Hank

How dose one tell if a cut out is + or neg ground? I've never come across any markings on them, the last few I bought from Isral had been described to fit T's, A's and the V8.

The Model T generator with a cutout will charge 12 volts, just half of the amperage.

Fun Projects shows a regulator specifically for 12v. The Model T generator doesn't care what the battery voltage is (within reason). It will put out 6/8/12, but at decreasing amperage as the voltage increases. You will have to reduce the amperage using the 3rd. brush to something around 4-5 amps or you'll fry that generator quickly. If that doesn't meet your electrical needs, your best bet is a Birdhaven 12V alternator.

Back in the 'dark ages' (60's and 70's) there used to be a guy in Califunny who advertised in the Vintage Ford that converted T generators to 12 volts by using the front mounting surface of a T generator and the bulk of a mid-fifties Ford 12 volt generator. Don't know if he still advertises.

Apologizing for reading the responses because I forgot to click the respond with email

Over the years I have run across at least two Model Ts with later 12 volt generators complete with a three terminal voltage regulator box. In both cases I replaced them with the Texas T alternator. Indeed I think I have one of the systems available as taken off a T. If anyone is prepared to pay shipping or pick it up, it’s freely available.