Sri Lanka's Emerging Automobile Community for Land Rover Defender

NuwanJayasinghe · Aug 25, 2025, 11:58 AM

Found beautiful 1968 Series IIA but it's still running original 6V electrical system. Lights are dim, starter struggles, charging system weak. Previous owner kept it original but practically unusable after dark. Thinking of converting to 12V for reliability but purists saying it ruins authenticity. What's your opinion? Is 12V conversion reversible if I keep original components? Daily usability vs authenticity dilemma! Want to drive it regularly, not just keep as garage queen for Sunday shows.

David_Christopher · Aug 30, 2025, 12:22 PM

Machan, practical vs purist debate is eternal! If you plan regular driving, 12V conversion makes huge difference. Proper conversion keeps original appearance - alternator looks like generator, modern relays hidden. Keep all original parts safely stored so conversion is reversible. Many Series specialists offer conversion kits that bolt in without cutting wires. For daily use vehicle, reliability trumps authenticity. If it was matching numbers collector piece, different story. But Series IIA should be driven and enjoyed, not preserved like museum exhibit! Modern electrical makes it actually usable transportation.