Wiring for 12 volts

[1964FLDUO]

I currently have my bike down to the frame and I am rebuilding everything and considering switching to 12 volt for reliability and retaining all of the old 6 volt stuff to change it back if I ever want to. Anyway I know I need a new generator, regulator, battery, coil. My question is do I need new wiring because I was told the wiring couldn't handle 12 volts. Sounds like BS to me, but I am rebuilding everything anyway so I might as well upgrade th old wiring.

Also if anyone has any suggestions for worthwhile upgrades while everything is apart let me know. By upgrades I don't mean changing to disk brakes or anything like that, just making the old stuff better. Thanks!

[RUBONE]

6V requires heavier gauge wire than 12, so when converting nothing needs to be done to the wiring except getting it connected right. You were right, it is BS.
Robbie

[awander]

Yup, 6V wiring will work great for 12V!

(If you do decide to replace it, please send me your old wiring!)

[1964FLDUO]

I'll probably replace the wiring because it's old and brittle. What would you want old brittle wires for?

[RUBONE]

If you replace it get yourself a reproduction harness for 6V. It will look correct and wil work great for your conversion. If you are going custom, well then go custom!!
Robbie

[1964FLDUO]

I am going restoration, not custom. Any specific harness Robbie?

[Panacea]

check this out...http://www.hummeremporium.com/store/ind ... ductId=360" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RUBONE]

Be aware that the seller listed has a REALLY poor record and you would be better off elsewhere!
http://www.harleyhummerclub.org/humex/16824.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Robbie

[1964FLDUO]

Thanks for the heads up, Robbie, it seems some folks aren't happy with his service and he has his own tv show, I have heard that before and steer clear of those folks. Plus he sites doing business with reputable people such as "Orange Country Choppers" and "Jay Leno's Garrage."(not to be confused with Orange County Choppers and Jay Leno's Garage) On the lighter side of things I look forward to Motorcycle Archeology airing and will send him my resume. Lol

[Hauula Pan]

When rewiring my 52 I needed to replace some of the wires & covering & picked up the repop stuff from V-twin, it matches my original stuff pretty well & works well. I know a lot of the stuff they sell is just junk but their repop wiring & coverings seem to be ok. As for the 12 volt conversion the previous answers are indeed correct, the 6 volt wire will handle 12 just fine. If you were staying with 6 volts & doing an actual stock restoration I would say look for original wiring & covering, maybe from Old Dude, but since you're converting to 12 volts I don't see any problem going with V-Twin's repop wiring.

[awander]

What would you want old brittle wires for?

I am always doing little repairs on old bikes and tractors, and sometimes just a short piece in a "stock" color would be nice to have.

Let me know; I'll pay for shipping.

Andy