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I was told once that a quick way to check to see if the charging system is working properly (while the engine is running) is to briefly disconnect the ground (+) wire from the battery, and if engine continues to run, OK: if it quits, then something is awry. Is this correct?

Don't even think about trying that, and whoever told you that should have their tool box taken away! First of all the generator has no output at low (idle speed) rpm and if you increase the generator speed you can do damage to any electrical item that happens to be turned on. For example if any of the lights are on the bulbs will be toasted.

The simplist rudimentary way to see if the charging system is working is to put on the headlight and heater and then increase the engine speed a bit. If the lights get brighter, or alternatively if you have a voltmeter across the battery, the voltage increases then your charging system is functional though it would take more sophisticated tests to tell you if it's functioning within specifications.

Thanks, Dave. I knew I could get the straight scoop on this from one the gurus here at PackardInfo. As I recall, the guy who told me was a Studebaker mechanic at some point in his earlier life. Go figure.