Tough debate with my super a

Mark W. · Feb 10, 2010

I am in the final stages of rebuilding this super a and am struggling with a 6 volt devil on one side and a 12 volt devil on the other. I have a 6 volt genny from my 340 but the A had an alternator on it. I just want to make sure I have lights that are plenty bright as it will be used much in the dark. Not worried about the correct police but it will go to a few antique pulls and tractor shows. Any advice appreciated.

Bob · Feb 10, 2010

If it's not a restored "queen", I'd sure go for function over originality and go 12 Volts with a small (Hitachi, for example) alternator as they don't "stick out like a sore thumb" on the side of the engine like the big Delcos do.

MisterT · Feb 10, 2010

If you need lights that are really bright you will need to do the 12 volt conversion, but the original 6 volt lights with the CORRECT bulbs put out some pretty good light also, and those lights were plenty good enough 40 to 50 years ago. Come to think of it, doesn't the Super A use the flat backed sealed beam lights? Those lights are even brighter than the previous "tear drop" shaped lights.

Andrew Z · Feb 10, 2010

I agree with Bob, if you plan on using alot of lighting the 6volt system does not charge much when the lights are on. Also anouther benifit to the 12volt system is that you would be able to run additional lights (more then the stock 3) I did this with my M i used for hay rides at night. I had the 3 stock lights and 3 addational lights, charged and lights were birght even near an idle.

Andrew

Dave H (MI) · Feb 10, 2010

Here is what I know from reworking a 2N a couple months back with a 6v system and a 3 brush, single post genny. Since my Super A manuals aren't schedule to come till tomorrow, I can't say for sure yours works the same way. I have blindingly bright lights on the 2N. The genny has and adjustment on the end and I simply turn it up in the winter when I am going to be out at night plowing. I keep the lights on even in the daytime to keep from overcharging or having to adjust down. When summer comes I will adjust the genny back down and leave the lights off. This allows me to keep a nice original system on the tractor. I don't show. I just like equipment in it's originally designed condition being used to do what it was designed for. IMHO.

scott#2 · Feb 10, 2010

If everything is right, a 6v system works fine. Just need to keep the revs up if your running lights so there is some juice left to recharge the battery.

If its been sitting for a long, long time you will probably need to flash the gen, but I haven't had to do it ever since I replaced that cheapo ts regulator with a IH unit last year.

If you want a system thats set it and forget it, 12v w/ alternator is the answer.

scott#2

mkirsch · Feb 10, 2010

My SA is 6V. I put aftermarket lights on it with the Wagner #4511 bulbs in them and they are impressively bright for a 6V light.

Bspauld · Feb 10, 2010

I have a Delco on my S A and it dont stick out at all,hardly notice it

Pete7 · Feb 10, 2010

On my Super A, I went with an 12 volt alternator,with a low turn on internal regulator and never looked back. Now it always starts, battery always charged good,no regulator problems anymore, brighter lights and I can use other 12 volt eguipment like a standard 12 volt spray pump. For me, the only good thing about 6 volts was that it's orginal.
Pete

Red Mist · Feb 10, 2010

Either way you go will be fine if you do it right and keep it maintained.....
mike

Tough debate with my super a

Mark W.

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Bob

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MisterT

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Andrew Z

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Dave H (MI)

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scott#2

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mkirsch

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Bspauld

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Pete7

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Red Mist

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