Modifications

I added a fuel pressure gauge to my Jeep. It has helped solve a considerable number of problems as well as making it easier to start the Jeep in the spring after the fuel has been drained out.

12 Volt Electrical System

My Jeep’s electrical system was changed from 6V to 12V before I bought it. This modification involves nothing more than replacing the battery and charging system, adding a loading resistor to the ignition coil, and replacing all the light bulbs. The horn, if working, should have a loading resistor added or be replaced with a 12V unit. My Jeep has an aftermarket cab heater installed, so the fan motor for this had to be replaced as well. The starter can be left as is but will not last as long due to a faster accumulation of damage to the pinion gear as a result of crashing into the ring gear faster than designed.

I plan to leave the 12V conversion in place. The only real benefit is compatibility with 12V components. I can jump start my Jeep more easily, can use it to jump start other vehicles, can use halogen headlights, and so on. If you own a vehicle that is presently set up for 6 volts, I would recommend leaving it as is unless you need 12 volts for a winch or lights or something.

I replaced my generator and regulator with a late-model Delco alternator and recommend that you do the same if you plan to drive your Jeep. Willys Minneapolis performed this modification for me. The original-equipment generators, with mechanical brushes and mechanical regulators, are maintenance intensive, unreliable, and do not keep the battery fully charged. This is true with both 6V and 12V systems.

Other Popular Modifications for Early Jeeps

Warn Overdrive - The Warn all-range overdrive was a popular accessory for early Jeeps. Warn no longer makes the overdrive, but functionally identical units are available from Advance Adapters and used overdrives are occasionally on the market.

Freewheeling Hubs - I do not have freewheeling hubs on my Jeep. The early freewheeling hubs did not lock, so to switch from 2wd to 4wd you had to remove the hub and replace the original drive flange. Later hubs would comprimise originality, and since I mostly use the Jeep off-road I leave the solid flanges in place.