[ChuckEissler]

I just recently purachased a 1946 CK 2A. I am a complete novice at restoration, but I would like to know every part needed for conversion from 6 volt to 12 volt system. Generator,starter,coil,distributor,voltage regulator,ignition,wiring,etc ??????????
chucke

[F Bill]

ChuckEissler, on 17 May 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

I just recently purachased a 1946 CK 2A. I am a complete novice at restoration, but I would like to know every part needed for conversion from 6 volt to 12 volt system. Generator,starter,coil,distributor,voltage regulator,ignition,wiring,etc ??????????
chucke

Do a google search for one wire alternator conversions...with a one wire delco alternator, the wiring is pretty simple, you will need to change at a minimum, the coil with resistor, fuel gage, all the bulbs, and get a 12 volt starter to do it right. There are even a few wiring diagrams for the 2A floating around on the net, and I think there is even a 12 volt one.

A 6 Volt system in good shape works well, so think long and hard about whether you want to do this instead of restoring what is stock. Of course if you want to use modern radios and electronics, there really is no choice.

[Tim Dolan]

Hi Chuck; I second the motion that you might want to keep it original. I have no trouble whatsoever with my 6 volt system.

[ChuckEissler]

F bill and Tim Doland - thanks so much for the info! I certainly will consider keeping the 6 volt system after both of you have stated you have no problems with the stock electrical system. Chuck

[Cable]

My 1946 CJ2A farmers model has been in the family since 1955. Over the years as the engine compression weakened I replaced the 6v battery with an 8v unit. This was in 1964 and no other changes were needed - even the instruments/gauges work on the higher voltage system. The jeep starts much easier on 8 volts and the headlights are a little brighter but for all intents and puposes the CJ2A is still "stock".

On one more note - after all these years I must now replace the original 6 volt coil which is under the dash and hiding behind the heater. Hard to get to. Any advice on accessing and replacing the unit? I think the keyed ignition switch is built into the coil. Is this right?

[F Bill]

Cable, on 26 May 2011 - 04:54 PM, said:

My 1946 CJ2A farmers model has been in the family since 1955. Over the years as the engine compression weakened I replaced the 6v battery with an 8v unit. This was in 1964 and no other changes were needed - even the instruments/gauges work on the higher voltage system. The jeep starts much easier on 8 volts and the headlights are a little brighter but for all intents and puposes the CJ2A is still "stock".

On one more note - after all these years I must now replace the original 6 volt coil which is under the dash and hiding behind the heater. Hard to get to. Any advice on accessing and replacing the unit? I think the keyed ignition switch is built into the coil. Is this right?

The in dash keyed coil is in a bracket which is held to the dash by those three screws surrounding your switch. THey are no longer available as a unit unless you are lucky enough to find new old stock ones somewhere... Most folks use a replacement iginition switch and a coil mounted to the block like later jeeps. I do own a NOS Coil unit myself, and I am looking for the switch, bracket, and internals if your coil is bad I would be happy to purchase if from you if you want to go that route. If you want a NOS coil and want to swap parts over, I may also be able to help you out sourcing a coil,but it is not cheap.. . Yes, the switch is mounted in the bottom of the coil.

[Cable]

Thanks for the background regarding the dash mounted coil.
I can now tear into it with some confidence.
I will let you know what I find

[F Bill]

Cable, on 27 May 2011 - 10:37 AM, said:

Thanks for the background regarding the dash mounted coil.
I can now tear into it with some confidence.
I will let you know what I find

Tear into it gently... with any luck you will find some corroded or loose connections and not worn out parts. The lock assembly can be removed from the coil carefully once the coil is out of the bracket by gently uncrimping the tabs on the coil end...There are a few posts over at the 2A page about refurbishing the coil if I remember correctly.Here is one.
http://www.thecj2apa..._topic2565.html

[Cable]

F Bill, on 27 May 2011 - 01:07 PM, said:

Tear into it gently... with any luck you will find some corroded or loose connections and not worn out parts. The lock assembly can be removed from the coil carefully once the coil is out of the bracket by gently uncrimping the tabs on the coil end...There are a few posts over at the 2A page about refurbishing the coil if I remember correctly.Here is one.
http://www.thecj2apa..._topic2565.html

F Bill -
A lttle late in getting back to you but such is the pace of life here on the ranch. I managed to obtain the contact info for Atwater-Kent to allow me to replace the ailing keyed coil. Before actually ordering a coil replacement I figured the only other thing that might be causing the engine to die once warmed up was a bad condensor. Although the unit was only a few years old its inexpensive replacement cost was a mere $2.35 and cheap insurance before biting the big one and going for the coil. Miracle of miracles - the old beast runs like a top. The American made 1946 coil is just fine - it turned out to be a two year old Mexican condensor. Go figure. I wanted to let you know that I truely appreciated your concern, interest, and professional exportice when faced with the the unknown task of an electrical nightmare. Four generations of my family have learned to drive in this Willey's and thanks to your help, I am now looking at #5 - our Great Grandson. None of the kids shows much interest in the jeep so I will probably sell her one day but until that time she will remain as standard issue. All stock, thanks in no small part to you. Thanks again.... Cable