12 volt conversion

[rwkehler]

Is there an 12 volt conversion kit out there.
how hard is it to change?
Thanks

[cuz]

No kits.

How hard is relative to your skills and determination.

The real question should be how much?

You are looking at replacing the following 24V items with the correct 12 volt rated items or in the case of the gages you can choose between old standard mechanical type gages or modern with 12 volt electric senders.

1 - 24 V Generator and regulator with a one wire 12 V GM alternator which will need a new mount bracket.
2 - starter 24 to 12 V
3 - Distributor 24V coil with a 12 volt military coil (least expensive way to switch voltage) or modify it for external standard coil.
4 - Horn 24 to 12 V
5 - Electrical gages; 24 V Oil press, coolant temp and fuel level and their original 24V senders with either mechanical gages or 12 V modern electric units.
6 - Original Amp or 24 V voltmeter with a modern volt meter in the 12 V range.
7 - All original 24 V lamps with 12 V lamps.
8 - Any other 24 V accessories you may have like turn signals, heater blowers and etc with 12 volt parts.

You can easily spend well over $500 making the switch.

The better question to ask is why switch?

[Cal_Gary]

Mine was already 12V and I stuck with it due to the potential for needing a jump sometime out in the "civilian" world-not likely to find someone else running 24V outside the HMV world.... I suppose you could push-start it, but I don't care to lean my shoulder into an 8000 pound dead-sled and you'd be hard pressed to find a civilian truck with a true bumper to give you a nudge....
Just my thoughts,
Gary

[cuz]

Just about as tough as being 6 volt in a 12 volt world.

Usually the jump start is a need that arises from:

1-Poor maintenance
2-Poor judgement
3-Mistakes

In a 12 volt world just carry 2 sets of jumper cables. One set for between two 12 volt batteries and one set to connect those two 12 volters to your two 12 volters.

Or

Just carry a tow strap and don't worry about the height of the other guy's bumper.

[SOTVEN]

I HAVE USED JUMPER CABLES FROM A 12V CAR HOOKED TO MY FIRST BATTERY TO START MY DEAD TRUCK, AND IT HAS WORKED. I DID NOT JUMP START ANY 12V VEHICLES FROM MY TRUCK HOWEVER. AS OF PUSHING 8000 POUNDS, IT SUCKS!!!! EVEN PULLING IT WITH ANOTHE VEHICLE IS NOT EASY. ESPECIALY IF THE OTHER VEHICLE IS A TINY CAR.

[8543bob]

Good AM,
Again why switch?? I have had my M for over two years, its 24v, not a problem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but 24v accessories takes half the amps of 12v. Its much easier on the charging system and the batteries. If all is well now I would leave it as is. Just my .02 BOB

[cuz]

The auto electrical system voltages have climbed from 6 to 12 and to 24 in miltary and heavy truck to meet the heavier demands of todays complex electrical systems while keeping amp loads and component weights to a minimum. As a rule the higher the voltage the lower the needed amps and the smaller and lighter the components can be. Don't be surprised to see 42 volt auto systems in the near future.

Commercial vehicles and emergency vehicles using 24 volt systems have functioned well over the past 40 years. The only real issue with the military 24 volt system is it's accessibility due to the water proofing and special connectors. This has a tendency to intimidate less experienced folks. Some folks are just to cheap to buy the adapter test lead kits for $80 and would rather pay up to a $1000 to convert all components to 12 volt.

[rwkehler]

sorry guys my notifications was off.
the reason behind the conversion was if i switch motors ie ; a jeep 4.0 L.
the how hard would it be to switch everything else?
thanks

[cuz]

If you swap to a modern motor then originality goes out the door and the electrical applications for most of the modern motors choices do not lay well with military 24 volt electrics. Especially if you are going modern enough with fuel injection and the need for a lot of original engine electronics. I would consider as a minimum the Dodge wedge V8's to make all the time, money and energy you will be investing in the engine swap a worthwhile investment.

[Cal_Gary]

Well Cuz,
I just got back to the forum and saw your post-valid points I agree and I'm glad you included "usually" because needing a jump is sometimes necessary regardless of how much/little preventive maintenance goes into a vehicle. I liked your comment about the tow strap as well-I've got the huge military loop chain standing by for that....
Gary