Can a 12v alternator be positive ground?

buyitsmart

buyitsmart

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I am converting to a 12v negative ground system so I ordered and received a new 12v alternator from a Model A supplier.
The supplier is not open on Saturday and I cannot contact them until Monday.
The paper that came inside the alternator box states:

"These alternators are made from modern negative ground alternators, HOWEVER, they have been modified to positive 6 or 12 volt ground despite whatever casting or stamping may be in the alternator body."

Is it possible the I received a 12v positive ground alternator?
 
buyitsmart said:
I am converting to a 12v negative ground system so I ordered and received a new 12v alternator from a Model A supplier.
The supplier is not open on Saturday and I cannot contact them until Monday.
The paper that came inside the alternator box states:

"These alternators are made from modern negative ground alternators, HOWEVER, they have been modified to positive 6 or 12 volt ground despite whatever casting or stamping may be in the alternator body."

Is it possible the I received a 12v positive ground alternator?
Click to expand...

I doubt it but it is very poor English in their paper. I would call them and be sure. You definitely do not want a 12 volt positive ground alternator as it could produce problems with some of the modern electronics you might want to use in the future. It will also confuse people working on the car. Be sure to call before you install it as you might want to return it. If it is positive ground (or they can't tell you) I would definitely return it. If they don't take it back post who they are as it would be valuable to know for he rest of us.

Charlie Stephens
 
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You can bet my project is on hold until I confirm one way or the other. I know the supplier will make it right. That isn't the problem. I just wanted to continue on with my conversion, but I will wait.
Thanks.
 
You can polarize the alternator either way by polarizing it i believe. All it takes as a jumper wire.
 
Alternators are never polarized and it's not possible to do so.

I don't know why someone would want a 12 volt + ground alternator and I can't imagine anyone making or selling such a thing. I'd follow Charlie's advice.
 
I sold alternators and one-wire conversion and rebuild kits for years at swap meets while we were getting our business started, and I'm with Tom W.

12 volt positive ground alternators are a product made on the theory that you can sell anything to someone somewhere, whether they need it or not and whether it makes sense or not.

Joe
 
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