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Date:         Sat, 1 Apr 2000 13:48:57 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      lights dim since 6 volt conversion
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

After completing most of the conversion to change my 83.5 Westfalia from 12 volt to 6 volt I have run into several problems.

The first question I'm guessing many have is why convert to 6 volt. I had two reasons. One was my CD player gave out and I couldn't bear to drive without music. My funds are low and I couldn't really afford a new unit but I have an old 6 volt Sapphire AM radio, which is better than nothing and obviously wouldn't work in a 12 volt system. (I actually had two Sapphire 6 volt radios and fried the first one hooking it up to the 12 volt system). I also had all the necessary parts for the conversion in my garage: a 6 volt generator and regulator from a 66 beetle and the correct fan belt.

The second reason is to save fuel and increase power. I figured 6 volts would be less stressful on the arguably underpowered Vanagon.

So back to my problem. While I will eventually have to find a 6 volt starter motor (the 12 volt barely turns over) I currently have no funds and not sure how easy the swap will be. I'm lucky enough to live on and work on streets with hills, so I can coast and pop the clutch to start the Vanagon. But the problem is the existing headlights are very dim with the 6 volt system.

Has anyone who has done the swap encountered this same problem with the dim headlights or is my situation unique? Has anyone found a solution? Also the gauges don't work correctly. I can beat the gas gauge thing by watching the odometer, but I'm not sure how to judge the engine temperature. I tried gauging it by hand, but that is hard to judge (and PS for any of you thinking about checking the engine temp this way use caution around the catalytic convertor. It gets really hot even after the engine is running for only a few minutes.)

As for the headlights, since it's April 1st, the days are getting longer, but I still may sometimes have to work late and my fear is if the sun goes down with the dim lights I may not be able to see in the dark.

Any suggestions appreciated.

TIA Jeff 83.5 Westy NYC


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