farmall B 12 volt conversion

andy H in WI · Dec 23, 2012

I am in the process of converting a Farmall B to 12 volt but the owner doesn't it to have and "un-original looking alternator" What model farmalls had a 12 volt generator on it. I can see that this is going to be a learning project, im going to learn I dont want to do it again

gene bender · Dec 23, 2012

Why do that as the original 6v system will start and run anytime and place. If he wants it original with the reg on top of the gen that is where the problem. You can get the original generator converted to 12v then you will need to need to take the bottom mount off a sadle mount reg and mount it to the new 12v one as there arent any 12v sadle mount regs. Making the original 3 brush gen into 12v can be done by a good rebuilder. Is there any just reason to go 12v. Sounds like the making of another "restored" tractor not very correct. Are you familiar enough to do the rest of the tractor original.

andy H in WI · Dec 23, 2012

Im just doing the work not calling the shots, yes I agree that it will not be original but thats what they want

Janicholson · Dec 23, 2012

Almost all gas start diesel run MDs SMDs SMTADs 400Ds 450Ds and many other number series beyond about 1958 Until alternators were put on.
A real 12v regulator could be hidden under the hood, with a fake 6v regulator saddle mounted top the gen. There are companies that convert 6v regulators to solid state 12v with pos or neg ground, but I do not know if they can convert the small square style. Jim

TractormanNC · Dec 23, 2012

Gene,

With all due respect, NAPA lists a 12 volt voltage regulator with a curved bracket, I presume this is what you are calling a saddle mount. Part # is VR897 or VR899. work for pos or neg ground. BUT it still would NOT look original as we both know because the B came with a CUTOUT and a 4 position light switch.

gene bender · Dec 23, 2012

Yes thats the problem when someone says restore it means original not a pached up mess so how would you make the old cut-out do 12v. You could replace the interior with some solid state stuff but the bottom line why go to 12v in the first place. Im sure i am not the only one who has seen such cobbled up deals then along comes someone and trys to say thats original cause ive seen one like that.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 24, 2012

The advantage of converting to 12 volt is the alternator.
For starting, the 6 volt system works just fine. However, the generators have a low output and the mechanical regulators can be troublesome. When the tractors were in the field for long hours, the generator had time to recharge the battery. Now days they don't get enough continuous run time to recharge the battery.
The alternator has a high output for quick battery recovery and an internal regulator.
With good heavy battery cables, good starter, starter switch and battery, starting should not be a problem. It is important to insure the battery is fully charged while sitting the the shed. A good automatic battery charger or maintainer can be helpful.

teddy52food · Dec 24, 2012

I have gutted the small cut-out case & wired in a diode. Works on 6 or 12 volts.

rustred · Dec 24, 2012

yes, including a slop job paint job and says the tractor is original condition. even reminds me of the 1 hr. 560 farmall in red power, why would he paint that tractor if it sat in a building all these years? to me the paint job has devalued it. not calling that paint job a slop job either just have seen some . the 6 volt starts those tractors just fine so i dont see any advantage to sticking a 12 volt battery in them.original is original.i guess everyone does their own thing.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 24, 2012

Like said by several other guys the B starts fine on 6 volt. I changed my Farmall B from a 6 volt generator to a 6 volt alternator and did not have to change anything in the system. I did mine about 3 years ago and I like the way it keeps the battery up when i am using tractor for short periods of time.

farmall B 12 volt conversion

andy H in WI

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gene bender

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andy H in WI

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Janicholson

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TractormanNC

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gene bender

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Anonymous-0

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teddy52food

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rustred

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