When did CJ-5s switch to 12 Volt?

6 Comments

1. Craig B.October 20, 2011 at 8:47 PM

   I'm pretty sure the switch came during the 1957 model year. Many '57's came 6 volt but I believe that late in the year they switched over to 12 volt.
2. BobOctober 20, 2011 at 10:58 PM

   I believe Craig B is right. I always heard about 1958 but he may be more precise.
3. modmikeOctober 21, 2011 at 12:35 AM

   Yes, I agree that within the 1957 model year the change over was made. I used the Willys America parts list book as a reference.
4. DaveOctober 21, 2011 at 2:15 AM

   Taking the information from the "Standard Catalog of Jeep 1940-2003" by Patrick Foster--- "By 1958, 12 volt electrical systems had become standard equipment in Jeep vehicles." As I remember, the 6 volt system was an option for several years after that, but I don't have any idea when that was dropped from the option list.
5. Ron DamronOctober 21, 2011 at 4:52 AM

   Dave- I restored a 1957 Willys CJ-5 for my brother back in the mid 70's and it had a 6 volt charging system. If my memory serves the late 57 year CJ's converted to 12V. My 1956 CJ-5 had a 6V system when I bought it and I converted it to 12V and upgraded to a GM 1 wire alternator. Pain in the butt to wire up seeing as I'm hefty and don't fit under the dash easy. Ron
6. Wayne DunardOctober 21, 2011 at 12:44 PM

   In 1957 Willys used up all the 6v they had then switched to 12v.