54 Manhattan Electrical

[Chris Luecht]

Can anyone advise whether a 54 Manhattan battery should be positive or negative ground?  Are all KF's the same?  Thanks and Best regards, Chris

[Fid]

Hi Chris, all KF cars were originally 6 volt positive ground.  If someone hooked them up backwards (and a lot of newbies who knew no better have) it would start and run OK but the generator or regulator would likely burn out rather quickly.  Things like the radio (because it is vacuum tube) and lights would not be damaged at all but the charging system itself would suffer. Also, the ignition coils are polarized so the car may suffer from weaker spark if the battery was installed with the polarity reversed.
Best of luck.

[Chris Luecht]

Fid, Thanks for the great info, I figured they were positive ground but wanted to make sure.  Also, I am looking for a picture of the ignition coil on a 54 with a supercharger.  The one installed in the car looks nothing like any other ones I have seen on KF vehicles but I want to make sure it wasn't a change for engines w/ supercharger, etc.  If anyone could supply pictures of their 54 manhattan with supercharger that show the engine compartment, ignition coil, etc. that would be really helpful.  Thanks

Chris

[mbflemingkf]

Chris, I sent you an e-mail that shows the engine compartment in my 54 Manhattan.  Mike

[jimkf]

Not all 54s and 55s were positive ground. Cars equipped with Autolite systems were negative ground equipped. I had a 54 Late Special that was so equipped.