Positive or negative

[Marlin47]

1961 Ford Anglia 105 E. Negative or positive earth ?

Cheers.

[tr7v8]

Positive unless it has been converted which is quite likely. Easiest way is to check the battery earth lead.

[Marlin47]

Er, check it for what ? To see if it's live ? If the minus lead goes to the car body for an earth, does that make it negative ?

Do you know, I once took a Jaguar "E" Type engine out of the car in a garage without any electricity ( a lock up in Battersea )' but I blench when dealing with electrics. It gets worse as one gets older !

[tr7v8]

Er, check it for what ? To see if it's live ? If the minus lead goes to the car body for an earth, does that make it negative ?

Exactly! If the lead attached to the body is the neg then it is negative earth & vice versa. It will have been build positive earth but reasons for changing are commonly 1. fitting modern radios &/or 2. Fitting an alternator to improve the charging system.
There were positive earth alternators but they're as rare as rockin-'orse poo.

[Marlin47]

Great ! You've been very helpful. Thank you. What about charging the battery if it's flat, though ?

Does the minus charger crocodile clip clamp to the minus battery terminal and ditto the positive ?

[sam]

yes