Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1949 FORD, car expert, 12v battery

Question
THIS IS GOING TO SOUND REALLY BAD. I HAVE INHERITED A 1949 FORD 6CYL. THERE IS NO BATTERY IN THE CAR AND I AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHETHER IT IS A 6 OR 12 VOLT SYSTEM. I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE IS A APPEARANCE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 6VOLT GENERATOR AND AN ALTERNATOR. I HAVE LOOKED FOR WRITING BUT HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING. I WANT TO BUY A BATTERY BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I AM NOT A CAR EXPERT BY NO MEANS BUT I AM TRYING.IS THERE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN DO. IF I JUST BUY A REG. 12VOLT BATTERY WILL IT HURT ANYTHING

Answer
really hard to read in all caps, but i'll try. i would contact ford and ask. also, you need to know if it is positve ground or negative ground.

yes it will hurt a lot if you just put a 12v battery in a 6v system. it will also hurt to put negative ground on positive ground.

generators and alternators don't look anything alike.