I’ve got a 1950 GMC that was a 6 volt positive ground system. I’ve read lots of tech articles about converting to a 12 volt negative ground system, but nothing about just switching from 6 volt positive, to 6 volt negative. I’m trying to restore the truck to original, and was trying to keep it 6 volt positive ground. I’ve been successful up to this point, with the truck starting and running good on 6 volt positive ground. The issue started when I ordered a new fuel gauge from the normal vendors. I ordered the correct “GMC only” fuel gauge, but was unsuccessful in getting it to read correctly (all grounds and wiring are correct).
I called the vendor, who in turn call the manufacturer of the gauge, and they specifically said it would not read correctly with positive ground. I then removed my battery and sending unit from the truck, and performed a bench test using negative ground, and it the gauge read correctly and flawlessly. I am now at the point where I need to decide to try and find a fuel gauge that will work with positive ground, or switch the entire truck to negative ground.
So my main question is, can I simply just switch the + and - leads on the battery, and everything will work correctly, or are there other things I need to consider? The truck is already all wired for 6 volt, and I’d like to keep it that way. I just need to know if the regulator will be ok with the polarity switch? I know the starter won’t matter, and I may need to switch the coil leads around, but my main question is about the regulator. The only other circuit on the truck is the lights. No radio or other accessories. Can I just the swap connections at the battery?
Thanks in advance,
Jake
