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SORN
by OldSkrote - 31/07/25 02:07 PM
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Aug 24th, 2023
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Joined: Feb 2015
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Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Feb 2015
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Working on a 54. This is a frame up resto. I am now working on the wiring. The car is currently a positive ground. So here are some questions:
1) Would you change the car to a negative ground?
2) Would you put in an alternator or keep a generator?
Thanks,
Ben
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This comes down to a choice of originality over function. Personally I would change it, but buy one of the modern alternators that are assembled into a retro looking dynamo casing.
Martin (Deano)
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My personal choice if doing a comprehensive restoration would
entail retention of original specifications/components if at all feasible.
Only one man's opinion however.....
Last edited by BertL; 21/11/15 04:36 AM.
Bert & B1800
"Tis well enough to know how much to know; and when to know, not to know, too much."
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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To me, it depends on what you are going to do with it once it's finished.
Drive it - then convert to alternator, doing as Deano suggests
Show it - then keep it original
Sell it - then keep it original
The only other factor that comes to mind would be if the car has individual historical significance, in which case keep it as original as possible.
Last edited by Hamwich; 21/11/15 06:08 AM.
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Agree with what Tim said.
John
1989 911 Porsche Carrera
Land Rover Series
Defender 90 SW
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Positive earth is a pain. Just about any bit you add to a car is or expects negative earth.
I'd convert like a shot, one bit of originality that makes no sense and cannot be seen either as without a voltmeter, you'd never know.
Interestingly to note, all Morgans until the early 30s were negative earth. Then the fad for positive earth came in on most if not all manufacturers, Morgans included. I don't know if it is true, but my father said it was an anti-corrosion measure, although since it didn't work, and negative earth is much more convenient, manufacturers eventually reverted.
1930 Super Sports Aero 'The Elk'
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Gone to Porsche Part of the Furniture
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Gone to Porsche Part of the Furniture
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Positive earth is a pain. Just about any bit you add to a car is or expects negative earth.
I'd convert like a shot, one bit of originality that makes no sense and cannot be seen either as without a voltmeter, you'd never know.
Interestingly to note, all Morgans until the early 30s were negative earth. Then the fad for positive earth came in on most if not all manufacturers, Morgans included. I don't know if it is true, but my father said it was an anti-corrosion measure, although since it didn't work, and negative earth is much more convenient, manufacturers eventually reverted. +1
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Ben
Tim and others are correct. If you want to drive the car and enjoy ownership then use an alternator (whether you use one that looks like a dynamo or not is entirely up to you) Only use a dynamo if want to show or sell it, and even then convert to negative earth.
Using an alternator will commit you to negative earth (ground) . This will also give you a lot more choice of electric fuel pumps, and certain other accessories, positive earth versions are becoming very hard to find now.
Andy G
1999 +8 , Indigo Blue.
Ex-John McKecknie/Mike Duncan 1955 +4 racer.
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Another vote with Tim. Can't even add anything, other than this thread has also been historically informative.
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Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
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Thanks for all the input. Since this car will be a driver not a 'trailer queen' I plan to convert it. I will keep the original generator and the voltage regulator so if the next person wants an original, they can convert it back.
I will be going with an alternator rather than a generator. I think it will give me more options, such as driving lights and a radio.
So now on to the hunt to find parts and try to make it all look original.
Ben
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