Farm Equipment - B to restore

B to restore

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7485
Printed Date: 04 Nov 2025 at 3:03am
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Topic: B to restore

Posted By: Stanmc
Subject: B to restore
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2010 at 5:00pm

I recently purchased a B, it appeared to be a 12 volt system. When I got it home some one had tried to swap it to 12 volt. I need help to either complete the swap or replace the 6 volt system. This is my firdt attempt to restore a tractor. any help would be appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: Thad in AR.
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2010 at 7:19pm

It depends on what you plan to do with it. If it's a show piece I would go 6v if you're fixin it to work 12v. In these parts 12v batteries are much cheaper than 6v and they seem to last longer. All mine are 6v if they came out that way. You can find all the parts you need either way from the vendors on this site. You will find all the help you can use on this forum. good luck. What year is your B?

Posted By: Jacob (WI,ND)
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2010 at 9:24pm

In my opinion, go 6 volt. Here are my reasons:

There is NO reason a 6 volt system won't do what it's designed to do, and what you need it to do. It was designed that way from the factory, and has worked that way for 50 years. With good wiring harness (which by now needs replacing anyway from age) and good connections and grounds, and a good battery, 6 volts will start and keep your B running great!

I have all original 6 volt in my C's, and when I restored my first in 2004, it had a fairly new battery, and I'm still using that one today. I only use it a few times a year too (unfortunately), though I do take the battery out of the tractor for the winter. She always pops right off too! The biggest thing is the tractor has to be in good running condition. Many times I think the 6 volt systems get the blame for a poor running tractor (dirty gas tank, blocking fuel flow, or dirty/mis adjusted carb so tractor doesn't want to start like it should, etc...)

And another reason is, again in my opinion, that an original tractor (one restored back to its original 6 volt system) is worth more than one that has been converted to anything (in this case 12 volt).

That it my opinion and experiences, go 6!

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Jacob Swanson
1920 6-12; 1925,1926 20-35 longfenders; 1925,1926 15-25's; 1927,1929 20-35 shortfenders; C; B's; IB; WC's; WD; WD45

Posted By: Steve in NJ
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2010 at 11:34am

I can help you out either way you want to go whether 6V or finish the 12V. As some have mentioned, the 6V system works fine. It just needs a little more attention to keep it in tip top shape. We offer new wiring systems, generator or alternator repairs, and anything electrical on board your B. Drop us a line if interested. Be happy to help out with any info, parts or service needed....

Steve@B&B / B&B Custom Circuits

Posted By: GregLawlerMinn
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2010 at 2:13pm

I agree others; well maintained 6V systems and good engines start and run fine. However, after rehabbing several CAs,and Bs to the original 6V systems, I am now upgrading the electrical to 12V neg grd and installing electronic ignition. I use 12V Chev generators and mount the VR in the tool box to keep the original look. Started doing this to reduce the cost and availability of 6V batteries, cables, cutout relays, points/condensers and light bulbs. I am also replacing the Ammeter with voltmeters after experiencing some shorts in the ammeters (guess they do not make them as good today as they did 50-60 years ago). I believe they start better, and the EI seems to help them run a lot smoother.