Dear Steve;
Yes; If the ground wasn't solid.
Make sure the battery is grounded to the engine and not the body. Then, you can (ground) the body to the engine/frame etc.
A 'high current flow' item (the starter) must have a clear path to the battery. Some early models (6V) had the battery connected to the frame and a strap from there to the engine.
Make sure both are there is all.
Good luck.
