Yes, I'd suggest bare metal to metal contact between the generator housing and the end plates, and a dedicated ground wire connecting the generator housing to the regulator base. The generator uses the engine block and the end plates as a ground to complete the circuit back to the negative post of the battery, so there needs to be a very good ground circuit connecting the battery, engine, frame, body, and bed together. I use at least a #1 gauge welder cable as a ground, directly from the battery negative post to a BARE spot on the engine block or bell housing close to the starter, and smaller ground straps connecting the engine to the frame and body. That's been working well for me since the mid-1950's.
Jerry
