BJ8 Positive-Negative Ground Conversion

[metropolisman]

Good morning,
I've followed the instructions many people have posted about converting my car to negative ground, this is likely a silly question but I will put it out there just the same. There is a grounding strap from the master battery disconnect switch to the frame rail in the boot. I assume since that switch will be hot that that strap would energize the body and that strap will need to be removed. Do I need to provide any additional grounding to the negative battery terminal? Thank you in advance for anyone’s advice. Best, Jeff

 

[dklawson]

Re: Bj8 positive negative ground conversion question

Focus on the battery. The cable/component presently connected to battery (-) should be moved to battery (+). Likewise, what is presently on battery (+) should be moved to battery (-). That should handle all the main and switched connection.

After that you have to focus on the loads connected to the battery. Those would include things like the cap or filter on an electric SU fuel pump, converting any electric gauges (i.e. Ammeter), reversing the coil connections, and re-polarizing the generator.

 

[RTaillieu]

Re: Bj8 positive negative ground conversion question

You have to turn the battery around and connect the positive terminal to the cable that goes to the solenoid and the negative terminal to the disconnect switch and chassis ground.

 

[metropolisman]

Re: Bj8 positive negative ground conversion question

So the chassis ground would remain connected to the switch and now positive battery terminal?

 

[Keoke]

Re: Bj8 positive negative ground conversion question

So the chassis ground would remain connected to the switch and now positive battery terminal?[/QUOTE




Read the above RTaillieu post carefully.

 

[John Turney]

Good morning,
I've followed the instructions many people have posted about converting my car to negative ground, this is likely a silly question but I will put it out there just the same. There is a grounding strap from the master battery disconnect switch to the frame rail in the boot. I assume since that switch will be hot that that strap would energize the body and that strap will need to be removed. Do I need to provide any additional grounding to the negative battery terminal? Thank you in advance for anyone’s advice. Best, Jeff

The grounding strap from the master battery switch to the frame remains as is. Turning the master battery switch to "Off" disconnects the battery from ground. On a positive ground car, the insulated cable from the master battery switch to the battery goes to the + battery post. The cable to the starter solenoid goes to the - battery post. When you turn the battery around, the cable to the starter solenoid goes to the + battery post, and the insulated cable from the master battery switch to the battery goes to the - battery post. Having the master battery switch turned to "Off" still disconnects the battery from ground, which is now negative. You did turn the master battery switch to "Off" before starting this procedure, didn't you?

Hope this helps.

 

[Healey Nut]

Turn the battery round , reconnect . Do not remove any cables .
Modify tachometer wiring as needed . Re-exite winding on generator . Check polarity on fuel pump (if its electronic )
Start her up .

 

[Legal Bill]

The grounding strap from the master battery switch to the frame remains as is. Turning the master battery switch to "Off" disconnects the battery from ground. On a positive ground car, the insulated cable from the master battery switch to the battery goes to the + battery post. The cable to the starter solenoid goes to the - battery post. When you turn the battery around, the cable to the starter solenoid goes to the + battery post, and the insulated cable from the master battery switch to the battery goes to the - battery post. Having the master battery switch turned to "Off" still disconnects the battery from ground, which is now negative. You did turn the master battery switch to "Off" before starting this procedure, didn't you?

Hope this helps.

Mertopolisman, if, after reading John's very carefully written explanation above you are still confused about what to do, please stop and seek professional, or at least experienced help with your conversion.