Correct way to polarize a 1954 Ford Generator?

I've read everything from simple to complex methods of polarizing various generators.. So much varied information that I need to ask here to see if any of you know how to do it on my positive ground 54 Ford.

My car's been running for over 2 years now without issue, but after a 2 day park, the battery was totally dead for some reason (no idea what yet) and I had to get it quick charged at O'Reilly last night.

When I got it home I put it back in the car and started it up and immediately turned on the radio which didn't light up, suggesting to me that the polarity is probably reversed at the generator. So I powered it down, and now I'm here asking if anyone has specific instructions for properly polarizing the generator on my car.

Also, once I get everything up and running, is there a way to test for good/bad voltage regulator?

I've just kind of let everything sit as is, since the car's electrics were fine up until now.

If it's any help, I drove it home Wednesday night and ended up sitting in traffic for 45 minutes due to some idiot plowing a minivan into another minivan. So heat could be a cause of the electrical problem I suppose...

 

To do it the right way- Disconnect the Field,and the Bat. wire from the regulator. With the engine running momentarily connect the two wires. If you do it without disconnecting from the regulator, you will overload, and burn the points in the regulator. Sparky

 

Sorry to sound like an idiot, but should I

-disconnect the wires
-start the car
-reconnect them while it's running (in no particular order)

??

 

I have always started the car first,disconnected the wires, polorize,shut the car off, remove the pos. battery cable(ground in this car) then connect the wires. Last step is to reconnect the battery cable,then start the car.hope this helps, Spark**x

 

Yep, thanks much!

Oh, the radio does indeed work with the car running... I had to warm it off with the car turned off.. Doh! I had a brainfart and forgot I was dealing with tubed equipment.

Is there any quick way to verify that you're getting the correct polarity with a volt meter? I imagine even being charged backwards, the battery still wins the positive/negative battle, so how do you check it?