VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Positive ground on 54 chevy 3100

Hi everyone,
I have a 54 Chevy 3100. I started it for a few seconds for the first time a few days ago. When under the truck I noticed the truck had a positive ground. I talked to a few people who said it should be negative ground. I switched it to negative ground and could not start my truck. I switched it back and it will start. What should it be and what damage could I be doing to it? Thanks

Er, well, maybe what you think it positive is really negative and visa versa. Are you sure about what you currently (no pun intended) have?
Charlie

Rather than wait around for us old farts to chime in for days on this issue you may want to Google:chevy positive ground , for your instant gratification needs...not trying to get rid of you or anything like that because We have plenty of useful information and a comradeship you will certainly enjoy . We Welcome you to the V.C.C.A...And would love to hear more from you ! How'd I do Bill ?...

Thanks for responding.
Did that. Everything says Chevy trucks only had negative ground. Mine will only start with the positive ground. I do not want to damage any part if possible.
Patrick

Hi
The red wire going to a bolt on the side of the transmission gave it away. I then checked the black wire and it went to the starter. I checked the battery terminals and the red is hooked up to the positive terminal.
Thanks Patrick

Well, there you go...Don't be a stranger !

You got something(s) hooked up basackerds. Check the ignition wire from the key forward. Is the wire going to the plus side of the coil? Start there and straighten out the mess of wires. It IS supposed to be negative ground. (emphasis intended)

Was your truck assembled in Tennessee? No, that won't explain it. No plant there.

Was it ever owned by some from Tennessee? If so, well, there you go...!
Charlie

BTW: When you get it back right with the fig newtons a-traveling in the right direction, let us know what the problem was. Will you do that? Bet you won't either. Too embarrassing. Grin.

BTW2: Welcome aboard!

According to Ray on the radio forum, some GMC's came with a positive ground. Could your truck have started out as a GMC?

You may want to ask Ray about this stuff. He seems to be up on it much better than I am. Well, most everyone is better at than I am.

Best,
Charlie

Thanks Charlie for the welcome aboard and for the advice of following the figs. Makes sense to me. The serial number says it is a Chevy from California. Is that any better than from Tenn. I did have a guy in Texas work on it a bit. And I am a Texan by heart. He very well could have hooked up something bass akwards. He turned out to be the biggest liar I have ever dealt with!! Your on on your bet, embarrassment or not.
Thanks again Patrick

Well.
I got my baby started with negative ground. Simple fix although it had me perplexed with starting with positive ground but not negative ground. The battery cables were corroded just enough to start one way but not the other. Thanks for the responses.

Now for the next question. Do not have one yet but am sure one will pop up.

Thanks again Patrick

You may need to polarize your generator.

And that will probably be your next Question :if the battery won't charge ! Good Luck !

Thanks

How do I do that
Patrick

OMG ! Google : polarize a Generator ! They have wonderful stuff ! Check out the U tube one , it's hand-on...Did you check your Amp. Gauge (FIRST) to see if it's mostly in the + range ( except when lights on ) Kevin

You're saying corroded cables allowed it to start in a back
wards configuration ?

Thatmust have been quite a corrosion overlay. blue38

Hi
No, corroded cables did not allow it to start with positive ground, but, the cables were too corroded to let it start with negative ground. Must take less power somehow, doesn't make sense to me either, to start with positive ground.

Patrick

OK, understand now.