VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Chassis Ground

Is there a separate chassis ground on a '37 Master coupe (GB)?

I know that the negative cable connects connects the battery to the transmission case. This serves as the ground for the starter and ignition because of the way the engine and transmission bolt together through the flywheel housing.

The engine and transmission mounts all have rubber bonded between 2 pieces of metal. Those connections will not pass electricity.

It seems to me as that there should be a grounding wire connection between the engine and the chassis.

Have I missed something? I did not find anything about this through a search.

Thanks,

Hey Rusty; On mine I ran a ground cable from one of the starter bolts to the frame. Hope this helps,
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Joe's 37

Rusty,

I think you are missing the bolts themselves. There are several bolts that connect the rear of the transmission to the torque tube to the rear springs to to the chassis, etc.

Just think of all the stuff you would have to isolate from the transmission to obtain no a ground path to the chassis.

I don't recall a separate connection but there may have been one. I don't have a clear answer to your question. Somebody will.

In the meantime, take your test light and hook it to the positive terminal of the battery and take the probe and touch it wherever to test for ground.

Best,
Charlie

Actually, the engine, tranny and springs are isolated from the frame by rubber bushings. The tube to tranny connection may give some grounding effect, but I'm not sure how effective and constant it might be. I don't have an engine and tranny in my car right now, but one of the many pieces I have for it is a ground strap that looks like it would attach to an engine to tranny bolt on one end and a small screw to the body on the other end.

I'm surprised that nobody with real knowledge on the situation has piped up yet!

I always thought the "ground" went the the starter bolt...I'd have to look...

The correct ground strap goes to bolt on the tranny, which is the same bolt hole used to lube the u-joint...at least per my research..

I have do not recall any reference to a chassis grounding strap...and I have 4 1937s

Member rd1937 is the expert on 37s. Send him a message. He is online right now!

I'm assuming you are having a little problem starting the car, especially after it has warmed up. My ground also goes to thy tranny bolt. I also have a braided 3/4" x 8" ground strap from my rear valve cover bolt (screwing into the head)to the fire wall. This seems to help for me...............Castlenut

Trouble starting, after it has warmed up, I ways blamed on the starter...