VW 6 to 12 Volt Conversion Kit, Beetle 1961 to 1966

Upgrade to a Modern, More Reliable Electrical System

Whether you're tired of not being able to see clearly at night, you can't find 6 volt electrical components or you just want to run a 12 volt stereo system in your 1961 to 1966 Beetle, our 6 to 12 Volt Conversion Kit will upgrade and update your classic VW.

The 6 to 12 Volt Conversion Kit includes all the necessary items you need:

• 12 Volt Alternator
• 12 Volt Coil
• All New 12 Volt Light Bulbs
• 12 Volt Flasher Relay
• 12 Volt Horn
• 3 Piece Alternator Backing Plate
• Alternator Strap
• Alternator Stand
• 12 Volt Pulley
• 10 Pulley Shims
• New Alternator Belt
• Oil Deflector Plate
• 12 to 6 voltage Drop for Powering the Wiper Motor.

The Alternator

The heart of the 6 volt to 12 volt conversion is the charging system which starts with the alternator. We prefer swapping the 6 volt generator out for a 12 volt alternator. This kit comes standard with a 55 amp alternator which is more efficient than a generator and there are 3 different options to choose from.

Bosch vs. Aftermarket vs. EMPI 75 AMP

For the time being, Bosch alternators are still considered the best quality units we offer. So ,when it comes to replacing an existing internally or externally regulated alternator, or even a generator, a Bosch AL82N is our first choice. From an output standpoint most classic VWs are fine with a 55 amp alternator.

For those vehicles that require higher output, where more than 55 amps is needed, the EMPI 75 AMP alternator is a good choice and we think it looks cool, powdercoated black.

For those on a budget, the aftermarket 55 amp alternators have proven to be reliable and they cost less than the Bosch.

To complete the installation of the alternator, our kit comes with a new stand, oil deflect plate, 3-piece backing plate, strap, pulley, pulley shims, and a new fan belt.

12 Volt Coil

We include the Blue BERU 12V coil with this kit. We have found this to be the best option available today. The Bosch coils are not readily available and we have found that the BERU is a better performing product anyway. It's better and it costs less. Please note that the Blue BERU coil does not come with a coil bracket. You will need to re-use your current one or purchase one separately.

12 Volt Light Bulbs:

When converting your VW to a 12 volt system most all of the components that use electricity need to be swapped out for 12 volt versions. Our 1961 through 1966 12 volt conversion kits include all the bulbs necessary to swap your VW's lighting.

Our kits include:

• 2 H4 headlight assemblies
• 2 Parking Light Bulbs
• 2 Front Turn Signal Bulbs
• 6 Dash Indicator Bulbs
• The Dome Light Bulb
• 2 Tail Light Bulbs (for 1961 models) or 2 Tail Light and 2 Rear Turn Signal Bulbs (for 1962 through 1966 models)
• License Plate Light Bulb.

1961-1965, 12 Volt Flasher Relay & Horn:

A 6 volt horn will work on a 12 volt system, but not for long. We include a new 12 volt horn with our kit to make sure you can give a friendly honk when it's needed.

For 1961 through 1965 VW Beetles, a new, 3 prong 12 Volt Turn Signal Relay is included to replace the 6 volt relay which is not compatible with the 12 volt system. The relay hooks up just as original with power coming from the fuse box to the relay, an output for the turn signal switch and a ground terminal.

1966, 12 Volt Flasher Relay, Headlight Relay & Horn:

In 1966 VW changed the headlight wiring on Beetles and swapped to a headlight relay, operated by the turn signal switch. Our 1966 conversion kits include a 12 volt headlight relay. Make sure to run a jumper wire from the #56 terminal to the #30 terminal on the 12 volt relay when swapping out your original 6 volt relay.

1966 was the the first year that VW Beetles came with emergency four way flashers. We include a 12 volt conversion relay (with instructions) that replaces the original 9 prong, 6 volt Turn Signal & Emergency Flasher Relay.

A new 12 volt horn comes with the kit to make sure you can give a friendly honk when it's needed.

The Choke Element with 28PICT Carburetor

If your 28PICT carburetor has a 6 volt choke element, you can still use it with the 12 volt system, it will heat up quicker than normal though. We offer the option to add a 12V choke in the drop down options above.

6-12 Volt Wiper Motor Options:

To make sure your windshield wipers continue to work when swapping you 1961 to 1966 Beetle over to 12 volts we include an inline resistor or "Voltage Drop" that can be used inline from the fuse box to the wiper switch to drop the 12 volts back down to 6 volts to power the wiper motor.

Important Note About Your 6V Starter

Unless you are changing the engine and specifically the flywheel in your car to a 200mm (12 Volt) unit we recommend using the 6 volt starter. The 6 volt starter works fine on a 12 volt system provided you do not run it for an extended period of time.

12V Battery is Not Included

The only other 12 volt component needed that is not included in this kit is a 12 volt battery. You can typically source them locally with minimal effort. A 1967 to 1974 Beetle (42 Series) battery will be a suitable replacement for the original 6 volt battery.