Papa, to clarify: I see you know this already because you use parenthesis or quotation on the words negative and positive, But for the archives and other folks:
The symbols on the face of an older ammeter (-) and (+) signify discharge and charge. They don't signify the normal use, I.E. voltage and ground. The ammeters don't have those markings on the back. both terminals on an ammeter are positive voltage potential. Both are positive. But to discuss how to wire, folks always ask which terminal gets direct battery voltage and most of the time it's the terminal behind the (+) mark and/or "C" on the face of the meter. The loads are on the terminal behind the (-) and or "D".
As the years went by the (+) and (-) went away on ammeters. Just D and C or dots.
The factory diagram for 1949 trucks (foot start type) is what I'm using, hope you are using that. I may repeat some of what you said.
So according to the diagram:
1. There are two wires on the ammeter "positive" terminal. One "comes from" the big lug on the switch mounted on the starter. This wire is not to charge the battery. The other wire "goes to" the fuse block but is not powering any fuses. It is using the fuse block as a junction for the horn.
2. The "negative" terminal has all the loads, headlight switch, VR (battery charging circuit) and ignition switch. A heater or signal (not shown on the diagram) would get their power from the ignition switch, probably thru a fuse. These load wires, as noticed, get there however they get there. By jumping off a junction device or direct to the ammeter terminal.
You may find changes/additions made by other owners do not match the factory 1949 Chevy truck diagram.
Last edited by bartamos; 04/28/2025 7:59 AM. Reason: punctuation and line thru correction
