Positive Ground, Why?

MG Merlin · 08-19-2003, 01:31 PM

I'm just wondering about the significance and integrity of running on a positive ground system. Why did they even do it that way?

Also, how does that affect things like, say, me putting in a stereo? How do a go about working around that. Thanks.

Ringo

Moppie · 08-19-2003, 08:44 PM

I think its one of those great mysteries that will never be solved.
Simply a case of the British being British.

As for fitting a stereo, you could either convert the car to a negative earth, possible, and with a new wiring loom not all that hard to do, but you might simply have to hard wire it with fuses straight to the battery, and make sure all the wiring is insulated from the cars body.

It must be a very old MG if its still got a positive earth on it though?

MG Merlin · 08-21-2003, 09:42 AM

It's a 1967 b roadster. Are there any websites of how to convert it over to negative earth? Thanks.

Moppie · 08-21-2003, 10:58 PM

I dont have much on the MG off hand, Im more of a Triumph fan myself, but www.google will be a good place to start, if you can find one site with a large links page that should you take you anywhere, it might just take a little time, as the MGB has to have one of the most devoted followings of any car ever made, and there are literaly thousands of websites dedicated to it.

Finding you local branch of the MG owners club would also be a good place to start.

Good luck, if I come across anything anywhere Ill be sure to let you know.

MG Merlin · 08-22-2003, 08:40 AM

Thanks very much. I'd appreciate that.

mrbassman · 01-20-2004, 12:52 PM

All cars were positive ground at one time including american cars. I haven't converted a car but I did an old tractor. The only thing I had to change was the charging circuit. Remove the generator and replace it with an alternator and, of course reverse the battery. You can hook up a stereo in a pos gnd car but you have to be extremely careful not to groung anything on the stereo. The chassis would have to be connected to the hot wire (neg) from the battery and the 12v connection from the stereo would have to be connected to the car chassis. Also be careful not to ground any of the speakers.

gmasterman · 01-30-2004, 09:23 PM

http://www.mgbexperience.com/service/neg-convert.html
This may be of interest. Also the BBS at this site is quite good, as well

These Ads Open in New Window