Ive just bought my first 1959 Beetle.

It has the standard 6V system, semaphores, no radio.

Is it worth converting to 12V?

What parts will I need and whats involved?

I would like to run a 12v radio/cd player down the track and have also heard lights are quite poor on 6V?

Here is some very helpful info mate, if you decide to sell your 6 volt semaphores I am interested.

ben

If your Bug has the origional 36 hp engine fitted with fixed genny stand then yur going to have to find a 90mm dia generator first of all which are expensive

if your car has a later engine fitted with a removable stand then its a little easier

Your going to need Battery, Generator or Alternator ( dont buy a chinese piece of crap ) Coil, flasher can, Light globes

The wiring, wipers, horn, starter, switches will handle the extra power but you can change for later type but a fair bit of work

Well, here's your 12V for the radio fixed........
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Classic-car-6V-to-12V-voltage-converter-power-powe...
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=6V+to+12V&_osacat=0&_from=R40...
I might also add that buying a small 12V "Gopher" battery will drive your average CD/Radio for days on end (just not amps and stuff too), and will recharge overnight easily.

Yes, the lights will be crap, but still OK enough to potter around at nearly 100kph through the city if you want. You can get more than ignition power out of a 6V system to fire up a 100HP motor happily, old 1959 and earlier speed equipment is the coolest thing on the block right now, and original working semaphores on an old car in traffic just about has to be the best thing in our modern world I've seen for decades!