Hi. We recently got a mini 850 (1964 or so) that hasn't been running for some time. The generator/alternator was been taken out.. how can we find out if it uses negative / positive ground?

Anyone got some tutorials on how to change a mini to negative ground...

Thanks

If it has a big black plastic voltage regulator bolted to the firewall with all the leads attached it probably had a generator and was positive to earth. However, if it has a more modern stereo or modern radio then it was probably converted to Negative to earth.

Converting it to an alternator is the common way to go and the generator tends to struggle keeping the battery charged once you fit a stereo of better lights etc. Some of the wiring needs to be changed but there is many threads on that here and its not hard - an alternator is negative to earth.

Is there a battery fitted ?- if so check that - if not fit an alternator a set it up for negative earth - easy peezy

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Regardless of what it was, it only matters what you want it to be from now on. All you need to do is flash the fields when you connect it up to make it positive or negative. The current direction (based on the polarity) has no effect of the way the generator will perform. or the starter motor or the regulator either, so rest easy.

No mods are required to convert it to negative ground, or positive ground.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.