6 volt or 12 volt

[k hutchins]

Having only ever dealt with 1 cub for over 50 yrs that is 6v that's my preference.

Now that's done, l have a question. For those of you that convert to a 12v on a tractor with a J4 magneto. What do you do with the magneto? My other question for the site wizards. Could you swap out a J4 from the early years for a distributor from later years?
You see l prefer to have a magneto over a distributor.

[Barnyard]

Magneto doesn't care if it is 6 or 12 to my knowledge. If you don't like your distributor just swap it with a mag. it is a direct bolt in.

[Slim140]

Having only ever dealt with 1 cub for over 50 yrs that is 6v that's my preference.

Now that's done, l have a question. For those of you that convert to a 12v on a tractor with a J4 magneto. What do you do with the magneto? My other question for the site wizards. Could you swap out a J4 from the early years for a distributor from later years?
You see l prefer to have a magneto over a distributor.

Magneto is independent. All it needs is a ground wire to shut it down so no, it doesn’t matter if it’s 6V or 12v.

[T-Mo]

My '47, which was converted to 12V, has a magneto.

[ajhbike]

So far since I rewired everything when I got the 57 a couple of years ago everything has worked well...it was my first cub and it was a challenge to learn about it (mostly from people here) and get it done. Even with all the work I put in to the 6 volt system, it still draws on the battery if I forget to use the kill switch. The 56 came with no battery and half a floor pan that got eaten up when the battery blew up 40 years ago according to the PO (who jump started it for the 40 years). I made it 12v and it is great, but I just sold it to my niece. One issue with the 6V and it is getting converted. I like the authenticity for everything but the electrical and hitch. I want to jump on it and go.

As for the dependability in winter...so far the cub starts okay in the winter an is nice and maneuverable in my weird driveway and on some of the neighbors...but I no longer see plowing snow as fun time with the tractors. I want on and I want it clean quick and get back inside. For bigger storms, I use the 3020 with a 7 foot plow I rigged up on the 3 point or the 504 FEL.

[welderrx]

I converted my 52 with a Charlies Repair kit and I am really impressed with it, what was the deciding factor for me was my original 6 volt coil went bad, I am an equipment mechanic for a living and for what his kit cost me and how well it is made and thought out it was a no brainer for me, I just want it to work when I need it, I am moving to a new place up in the mountains with a few acres and the Cub and the Lo-Boy are going to be back to work along with the rest of my equipment after a few years off. I think i might have to see what I need to get the snow plow up and working I understand I am in for some snow up there. TJ

[ScottyD'sdad]

Next time I might vote for 6 Volts! Decided to convert my cultivating tractor to 12 V. (Battery died). Hadn't had the hood off this one. Mismatched hood screws and bolts, were a joy to remove. Radiator filler hole in the hood was enlarged. (Warning signs, to drop your tools and run, but I didn't heed them). Got the hood off, to find a different generator, than standard. Top brace had about 1 1/2 inches of washers, where it mounts to the upper water spout on the engine. Bottom bolted to the stock bracket. regulator had only 2 wires, on the side with 3 terminals. Got the get., and reg. off, but wasn't able to remove the bolt from the top water outlet, yet. 89 degrees in the garage, so I put Kroil on it, and quit for the day! So much for a quick conversion!
Ed

[Jim Becker]

. . . costing half as much as a generator rebuild . . .

I suppose I might change my mind if I ever actually had to buy a rebuilt generator. But when you can usually fix them with just a set of brushes and maybe new bearings, I don't see the savings in doing a conversion.

I think at least half the guys that tear off the old pieces, clean things up, and install new 12-volt components would get the same results by tearing off the old pieces, cleaning things up, and reinstalling the old pieces.

[ajhbike]

Jim, you are probably right, but speaking for myself I wouldn't begin to know about the bearings and the last time (and only time) I attempted a generator clean up I crossed the wires, smoked it and I may or may not have thrown it into Long Island Sound.

It is a part of the hobby that isn't that interesting to me so I took the path of least resistance no pun intended. It gives more time to do other things more interesting, but I certainly understand people wanting to keep them authentic.

[ScottyD'sdad]

. . . costing half as much as a generator rebuild . . .

I suppose I might change my mind if I ever actually had to buy a rebuilt generator. But when you can usually fix them with just a set of brushes and maybe new bearings, I don't see the savings in doing a conversion.

I think at least half the guys that tear off the old pieces, clean things up, and install new 12-volt components would get the same results by tearing off the old pieces, cleaning things up, and reinstalling the old pieces.

Jim, the only generator I rebuilt, ended up at the rebuilder, to get it working. And, eliminating the junk regulator, is a good thing.(New ones don't seem to last)
Ed

[Slim140]

Jim, you are probably right, but speaking for myself I wouldn't begin to know about the bearings and the last time (and only time) I attempted a generator clean up I crossed the wires, smoked it and I may or may not have thrown it into Long Island Sound.

It is a part of the hobby that isn't that interesting to me so I took the path of least resistance no pun intended. It gives more time to do other things more interesting, but I certainly understand people wanting to keep them authentic.

Sounds like my try, I put it in the lathe at work to shine it up and wound up slinging it out and broke the pulley and chewed up the windings on the shaft. Have no idea what the technical names are.

[ajhbike]

Ha, if I had a lathe it probably would have walked itself into the ocean by now