my shifter is sparking... really.

Working on the '56 chev today, which is running poorly (Carbed 350/700r4 combo) I noticed when hitting the starter the shifter was sparking on the floor pan.

I'm thinking a poor ground, but anyone else have an idea?
Never seen anything like it

 

BTW I checked and re-checked the wiring, it's where it should be. (EZ wiring kit)

 

Ground the block.

 

Ditto. GM once saved money by skimpy block grounding...and got a rash of guarantee failures involving things like melted trans kickdown cables as electricity hunted around for grounds.
As a minumum, get a ground cable run from a bolt on engine straight to wherever bat cable bolts to body

 

ground the block to the frame and to the body. Best is to connect the negative battery cable directly to the block, not to the frame or body (but you still need smaller ground straps connecting the frame and body to the engine)

 

Thanks guys. I suspected as much after posting I checked the ground.. only one.. tothe chassis.