Amps, Watts and Volts - Some helpful figures
An 8 amp regulator will handle 48 watts on a 6 volt system.
It will handle 96 watts on a 12 volt system.
An 11 amp regulator will handle 66 watts on a 6 volt system.
It will handle 132 watts on a 12 volt system.
A 16 amp regulator will handle 96 watts on a 6 volt system.
It will handle 192 watts on a 12 volt system.
A 22 amp regulator will handle 132 watts on a 6 volt system.
it will handle 264 watts on a 12 volt system
Valuable amps (especially on 6v systems) can be saved by the fitting of modern LED type bulbs. These are available in all fittings and both voltages from us.
An average car from the 1960's or early 70's with an RB340 22a regulator would have an average 165w load.
Allowing another 40w "spare" for future accesories = 205w
205w / 12v = 17.08a
You would need a 22a electronic regulator.
An average car from the 1950's with a 6v RB106 regulator would have a maximum 100w load.
Allowing another 20w "spare" for future accesories = 120w
120w / 6v = 20a
Again you would need a 22a electronic regulator.
The same RB106 but this time 12v,
120w / 12v = 10a
so you would need an 11a electronic regulator
So, the only thing thats changed is the efficiency and reliability.
As I said elsewhere, I can build you an uprated regulator i.e the above 11a reg could be upgraded to a 16 or 22a version
Bulb Sizes for
Pre and post war cars with 6 volt systems where
dynamo's are usually rated at 65w max.
Headlamps - 21-24w max (36w for motorcycles)
(For the earlier 48w Lucas E3 type motorcycle dynamo - 30w)
Pilot (side) - 3w max
Tail lamps - 3w
Dash panel (speedo) - 3w
Stop/tail bulbs are available as 6v 21/5w or as 6v 18/3w.
Use the smaller size. For more current saving on stop/tail lights, use our LED bulbs.
Headlamps with bad reflectors will never be bright so consider having them re silvered and then fitting our quartz halogen bulbs.
here http://www.motorbase.com/contact/by-id/878530863/
For example, I use 6v 21w indicator bulbs in the headlamps of my BSA 3 wheeler and they are bright. Reflectors are new.