• From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,610

Re: Need some help on a Headlight Relay

I know this would not be practical but I'm curious. Could you use two 6 volt batteries in series instead of one 12 volt, and tap a wire off in between just for the 6 volt wipers and original radio.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Need some help on a Headlight Relay

Jim: Your idea would probably work. I actually had two 6v batteries until earlier this week. They were connected to a unit called an "Orpin" switch. I bought this about 15 years ago form JC Whitney of all places. They no longer carry the 6v variety but have a 12v unit: http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Prod … tt=voltage
Mine worked beautifully for about 13 years. On turning the ignition key the switch completed a series circuit and 12V were directed to the starter alone. Once running and the key was released, the switch operated with the batteries in parallel and the batteries were charged individually. My problem of recent was that the poor little generator did not do a very good job of keeping two batteries in charge. Hence my decision. Anyway, I have a 6v-12 switchable radio and it runs very well on 12v. The wipers will have to wait on the 12v Volvo motor I bought.

Clancy

  • TomB
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,095

Re: Need some help on a Headlight Relay

The Volvo motor should be a good solution. I remember installing one in my '69 145 rear window, since the car didn't come with one back then!
SoCal Imports still claims to stock wiper motors for 58-66 Beetles rebuilt for 12V, but I've never ordered from them.

  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Need some help on a Headlight Relay

Tom: SoCal shows the motor but if they are just fitted with the armature that WW and BusBoys were selling, I've not heard good things about them....Evidently they caused significant problems/fires and that's why both WW and BusBoys discontinued carrying them.
We'll see how the Volvo motor works for me.

Clancy