Letter to the editor- magazine = I've read many letters concerning 6-volt positive ground vehicles vs. 12-volt negative ground (mixing,matching,& jumping). The person did this change,instead of going from 6-volt to 12-volt on a '51 Ford. He removed the 6volt pos. ground battery & generator and installed a 8volt negative ground battery & 8-volt alternator. All the 6volt gauges,bulbs & accessories will operate directly on the 8volt system with no alterations.(reverse the leads on the ammeter). The 8volt battery will jump from a 12volt with no damage. The voltage regulator is no longer used, but was left in place for show and possible conversion back to stock later. These parts are readily available, including the adapter bracket for the alternator. The new combination supplies enough power & I never have trouble with starting or low battery. His conversion was done by Bear Hill Auto Electric in Bethany, Conn. (because he lives there - check with a local auto electric specialist). The company also supplied an 8volt trickle charger.
Answer= You have a good solution to the 6volt/12volt problem, because the 6volt equipment continues to work- - and the system can be jumped with a 12volt battery. We suggest that, instead of a trickle charger which can cause the battery to reach full charge and then boil off the electrolyte, it would be better to add a charger that senses when the battery reaches full charge and shuts down.
I hope this helps some of you.