Classic/Antique Car Repair: 56 Tbird Battery orientation, starter solenoid, volt battery

Question
I had assumed that the (+) pole of the battery faced the rear of the car, but
the front cable is too big for the post. As this has never happened before (35
years!), I'm doubting the orientation.  (Shouldn't the posts be the same size?)  
The replacement battery is a reproduction of the original. I can't find a
picture in
any of my restoration books. How embarressing this is!  

Answer
56 was the first year for the 12 volt battery and electrical system in the T Bird. All batteries 6 and 12 volt the positive terminal is larger in diameter than the negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected in that car to the starter solenoid and the negative terminal is connected to ground. Soooo you have to drop the battery is so that the cables will reach and I forget if that is front wards or back wards.
Brad