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Converting to Negative Earth

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Sportsdoc

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I've read various posts and articles on the ease of converting from positive to negative earth. Basically switch the battery, repolarize the generator, switch the coil wires, although there are some issues with fuel pumps. I'd like to do this, but is it really as easy as it sounds?
 
Easier. Might take 15 min if you have trouble opening the bonnett.
 
Negative earth here I come! Seeing that positive battery terminal grounded to the body has seemed a bit odd.
 
Why change it if it works fine? Only reason to change it would be if you need to use a modern-day radio. My dad's '47 Lincoln still works just fine being positive ground; you just need to pay attention when jump-starting or connecting the battery charger.
 
I will probably put some kind of radio/stereo in in the future so I will likely go ahead and convert it. I need my generator overhauled before I even get to that point, however.
 
As I recall, you may have to switch the terminals on the fuel guage as well otherwise full will read empty and empty will read full!!
 
The fuel gauge does not need to changed. Neither Smiths gauge system (pre- or post-stabilizer) are polarity sensitive.

Why change? There's a good chance at some point you'll need a jump start and you're not going to think about the fact that your car is positive ground until after a good Samaritan with a negative ground car tries to help you.
 
"As I recall, you may have to switch the terminals on the fuel guage as well otherwise full will read empty and empty will read full!! "

Sorry, not true. Fuel guage could care less.
 
Can't speek to tac. mine is mechanical.
 
jlaird said:
Can't speek to tac. mine is mechanical.
Click to expand...


Yes Jack the flow of current through the inductive pick up and the power connections on the electronic Tach must be reversed. Lot of info around on how to do it though.---Keoke
 
Just got off the phone with Star Electric; they are refurbishing my generator. When I mentioned changing to negative ground, he told me all kinds of problems and horror stories...my gauges won't work or I will "burn them up," the wiper motor won't work, yada, yada, yada.

Now I'm a bit puzzled. Most everyone here that has done the conversion didn't have those problems. Any ideas?
 
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I knew I could count on you guys! I hope he knows what he's doing with the generator.....I guess I'll find out next week when I get it back.
 
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