"I assume everything runs from the positive side"
Not quite.
1. Battery to "+" side of coil (through optional igntition switch)
2. "-" side of coil to side terminal on distributor.
3. Hi-tension (spark plug-style) wire from coil tower to center of distributor cap
The coil is grounded by being bolted to the engine.
The distributor is grounded by being bolted to the engine.
regards,
Leon
