Voltage Regulator

I apologize if this question has been beat to death and I've missed the answer. I bought an early 50's TO-20 that had already been converted to 12 volt and has a 12 volt generator but the wires from the generator were dangling. A fellow is tuning it for me and said that it was missing the voltage regulator so I bought one that I am quite sure is a negative ground. He installed it but then said that I needed a positive ground regulator because the tractor was starting regardless of if he used positive or negative ground. That confuses me. So I need some clarity on the regulator with positive or negative ground. I guess I have the option of going to an alternator as well but I already have the voltage regulator and the generator so I really don't want to spend more and then just set these parts aside. Any help would be appreciated. Do I need a positive ground voltage regulator?
 
''then said that I needed a positive ground regulator because the tractor was starting regardless of if he used positive or negative ground''


That makes ABSOLUTELY no sense.

Since it has been modified to 12 Volts it is no longer original anyway, there's NO reason not to use the (-) ground VR, if that's what you have.

Polarize the generator BEFORE initial startup, and connect the ignition coil accordingly, wire from the ignition switch to coil (+) terminal and the (-) coil terminal to the distributor primary terminal.
 
I am curious.
Is your machine still using the shift handle to start the machine or is a key turn set up via a starter solenoid?
If the latter, you have crossed wires somewhere. If the former, not possible.
As this machine has been fitted to something other than original, you have a man made mistake.
There are no trouble guides for a man made mistake.
Your best bet might be either restoring to original with copious information available or a new machine at zero financing and start fresh.
 
The first thing you need to do is verify if your 12 volt conversion is negative or positive ground. Go look at the battery connections. If the negative battery cable is going to the chassis then it is negative ground. If the positive battery cable is going to the chassis it is positive ground. The tractor will start either way. The starter motor will spin in the correct direction either way. The primary winding of the coil should be wired correctly but it will work either way. So, if you bought a negative ground voltage regulator just make sure your battery is connected for negative ground and polarize the generator. Then hope and pray that you got a good voltage regulator.
 
+ battery terminal has a larger diameter than the negative terminal. By inspecting the cable ends one can deduce the grounding system of the tractor.
 

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