I'm working on a B16 PV that was crudely and incompletely converted to 12V by the PO. Current owner wants it put back to original.

We have a 6V ignition, voltage regulator, and all 6V bulbs and lamps. Wiper and blower motors are unknowns right now. Starter and signal flasher were never changed and are 6V (I don't think there is a 12V starter for B16 anyway). Fuel sender is probably original.

So, what's still needed, or what else needs to be checked to see if it was converted? I imagine we need a 6V generator, right? What else am I overlooking?

TIA,
--Phil

Just a guess here, but you may want to check the start/ignition circuit going to the ignition coil to see if someone rigged up a keyed resistor to the coil ( 12 volt in start pos, 6 volt run ). if they did, you'll only wind up with about 3 volt in run position( unless thats what it needs)
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '82 Mercedes 300SD

I'd look at the horns and the associated relay, check the distributor against the original part, radio, cigarette lighter (?) and radio if installed.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

Less worries going backwards than forwards, Phil. If you send 12v to something that wants 6v, you've got worries. Send 6v to something that wants 12v, and it will work poorly or not at all, but won't fry.

Look for a PO-installed dropping resistor on the fuel gauge. I believe that's the only electric gauge on a PV.

Hook 6v to the motors (wiper and blower) and see if they work too slowly. I suspect they'll be fine - especially since a resto of this type will only be a fair-weather driver anyhow.

Of course you will need a 6v generator. I may be able to find you one if you can't find your own.

Lucky it is a very simple car, electrically speaking.

Thanks, Evan... I'll let you know if we're short a 6V generator.

Simple or not, wiring will be fun. The fuse block is not original, there are assorted twist-on household caps holding some connections together, modern terminal strips hanging on nothing... and then the guy helpfully sprayed the entire engine bay and everything in it black, including the wires.

Awk! All black? I'm with you and George - why?

Reminds me... about 3 years ago a guy called with questions about his 544's electrical system. Not long into the conversation, he 'happened' to mention that he'd rewired the whole car...

... using only red wire.

Best,

Cameron
Rose City

All red, eh? Reminds me of the trailer wiring job a certain major portland dealer did on my 2000 XC... :-(

What is it that makes people think that black paint sprayed over dirt
and grease and wires makes them better looking.......?
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Central US