6volt m37

[macibell111]

I have a 1953 m37 with a 6volt electrical system that I just bought I was told it was always like that ,is this true ,I thought they were all 24 volt,and if so do they make 6 volt harnesses for them???

[w30bob]

Hi Macibell,

No M37s made with a 6V electrical system that I ever heard of. And definitely none made in 1953. Are all the electrical components (generator, distributor, regulator, etc) made by Auto-Lite?

regards,
bob

[tbone1004]

could they have switched the engine with one from a WC or WDX? Would have taken all of the 6v stuff with it and not bothered to convert to 24v.

[macibell111]

thanks for the info ,I am just learning about these things,should I keep the 6 volt system and not change to 12 or 24 ,what is WC?just got this 37 last week ,any info about the 6volt system would be much appreciated. it also needs new wiring,what about that,where do I go to get a loom for it..jack

[macibell111]

thanks for the info ,I am just learning about these things,should I keep the 6 volt system and not change to 12 or 24 ,what is WC?just got this 37 last week ,any info about the 6volt system would be much appreciated. it also needs new wiring,what about that,where do I go to get a loom for it..jack

[Hemiman]

I'd convert to 12V!

Very easy, and 12V components are much more readily available (and cheaper) than 6V. You can keep you 6V starter in place, just change out bulbs, fuses flashers and battery!

[k8icu]

So you just got your truck. Get a copy of the manuals that the Army printed and read them. Lot of good information in there and lots of pictures that will tell you what has been modified on your truck. As far as voltage goes depends on what you want to do with your truck. Are you going to try and restore it then you may want to convert it back to the 24v configuration. If you just want to drive it and have fun with it then you can leave it 6v or convert it to 12V. 6V is kind of a weird conversion are you sure it's 6v? A WC is the WWII version of the M37s WC = Weapons Carrier. Same basic motor (more or less) as the M37 but in 6v and late in the war 12v configuration.

[macibell111]

thanks for all the info,I really like this forum.I will do more research and decide what I want ,for now I just want to get it running ,learn as much as possible,then start the basic restoration.12 volt sounds like a good Idea also. I own an auto upholstery shop and as of today my m37 has really nice od canvas seats NOW ,A GOOD START.

[tbone1004]

Where are you located Maci? My seats are needing some help as well...

[macibell111]

I looked at the head lights they are 6 volt,but the tail lights are 24 , 1251 on the bulbs the back of the taillights say 24 volts.the wiring is a mess,original but still a mess,a 6 volt regulator and 6 volt alternator, someone has changed them somewhere along the line. the gauges look original .is that possible ,being 6 volt do I have to change the 24 tail light bulbs ?? and what bulbs do I get if want to change them to 6volt.the starter still looks original.I know this sounds confusing( it is from my side,LOL) I want to put in a new wireing harness,I guess my question is should I scrap the 6 volt and go to 12,already bought a new 6 volt battery just to see if it will start.also do I have to change the starter and distributor..any input would be very welcome. if u were me what would u do.....jack

[tbone1004]

http://www.dodgepowerwagon.com/best/con ... -volts.php

http://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/pdf/p ... trical.pdf
Very bottom of that has the 6v to 12v conversion. $350 including alternator. The 6v starter stays

[macibell111]

much appreciated,I did find that site and saw that conversion ,great site,

[macibell111]

Where are you located Maci? My seats are needing some help as well...

I am in Healdsburg calif,jacks auto upholstery,north of san francisco