I heard that the 1957 Ford truck has a "reverse polairty" system that basically, the positive side of the battery is going to be grounded. The truck that I am helping my friend with has the battery wired in a way that I consider "normal" (negetive to frame) however, he also complains that he needs to remove the battery cable because of a drain that kills the battery. On a 1957 Truck, I cannot think of anything that would cause a drain. Any insight would be helpful. I am about to install a "rebel" wiring harnass so any tips and tricks would be awsome.
It's a negative ground system for sure. Check the voltage regulator and generator. If they check out fine, pull the positive cable. Clip a test light to the cable and probe the positive terminal on the battery. If the light comes on with the engine off, you have something draining. You'll have to go through the wiring, unplugging things and pulling fuses, until the light goes out.
Hi John; Thanks for the tip. So: 1: Disconnect the positive battery terminal. 2: Alligator clip the positive terminal (now hanging loose) 3: Touch the positive side of the battery with the test light. 4: Ideally, I would not get a light but, with a drain, the light will come on. Is this correct?