Increasing ww2 regulator voltage

[hummermark]

Hi is there anyone running a 6 volt regulator that's been adjusted up to be used on a 12volt system?

if so has it been reliable? 

I have been told some jeep owners do this when converting from 6v to 12v systems.

[AmmoMan]

I did it on mine, adjusted the screws to increase the charge voltage but after a year or so the regulator just disintegrated due to age and corroded parts so I dropped in a solid state regulator and that's also been fine.

[jenkinov]

I have continued to run. A 6 volt regulator and system on it jeep . I bought i high output 6volt battery from a specialist and it's been fine for 19 years ..the battery whi!st expensive has shown its value by lasting c10 years And still going 

Jrnkinov

[hummermark]

So it is possible and reliable 

[earlymb]

JMP is selling this circuit board which goes into the original regulator housing:

https://www.joesmotorpool.com/ford-gpw-parts/977-joe-s-motor-pool-early-6-12-volt-regulator-circuit-board-for-ford-gpw-willys-mb-slat-mb?search_query=regulator&results=12

I have no experience with it, but it seems you can adjust from 6V to 12V with a switch. Maybe it's an option?

[jenkinov]

When I got my jeep I was not happy with starting it on 6v . I considered changing it but then was. Advised to consider a high output 6v battery . I approached a specialists Lincon  batteries who builds a high output 6v battery.

The jeep was transformed and I have continued with this throughout my 19 years of ownership ..during that time I have only had  2 batteries...

I would recommend sticking with  6 volt

 

Jenkinov

[andym]

"High Output" presumably means high capacity in terms of Ampere Hours?

Andy

[REME 245]

Optima Batteries do not look period but are designed for starting under difficult conditons.

[earlymb]

Someone in the US is making repro shells of an original WW2-era jeep battery, in which you can put an Optima battery. Check the G503 forum for more info.

That being said, I think proper earth connections and the original gauge cables should go a long way with making 6V to start reliable.

[radiomike7]

6 hours ago, andym said:

"High Output" presumably means high capacity in terms of Ampere Hours?

Andy

More likely lower resistance to give higher CCA.

[7VHU]

If it starts ok on the handle, 6 v will be fine (just gives you the flat battery feeling, even if it isn’t).

makes things more tricky finding spares and harder to find a jump start.

originality vs practicality (driving an 80 year old truck)

[andym]

21 hours ago, radiomike7 said:

More likely lower resistance to give higher CCA.

Agreed, it could be either.  That's why it's a pretty meaningless term, really.

Andy