-=> Quoting Gene Cook to All <=-
 GC> I am really stumped by this and I was wondering if anyone might have
 GC> an idea what is going on.  I have an old E-type that was flooded
 GC> several years ago and I am slowly restoring it.
 GC> To my surprise, there were sparks when I connected the negative
 GC> terminal to the ground.  I checked and there is nothing connecting the
 GC> positive terminal so I do not have any idea what could be causing the
 GC> completed circuit.  Any ideas? 
As in, Jaguar E-type?  Cool!
Ok, by sparks, do you mean just a tiny little blue dot that you can hardly
see in daylight, or do you mean 'melt your battery terminals, bright as a
magnesium flare' sparks?  If it's just a tiny little one, it could be as
simple as dirt or water on the battery that conducts very slightly to
the battery mounting plate, which'll then go to ground when you connect it.
Wash off the outside of the battery, let it dry thoroughly, then try it
again.  If it's huge sparks, the car is possessed!  :)
... NOSTALGIA BUFF:  One who finds the past perfect and present tense.
--- OLMS 2.60p.a1+ [EPMBP73M]
---------------