My existing cables are on their way out, and I looked at the local kragen and such for cables, but they all looked damn cheap. Anyone have some suggestions for decent (not super pricey!) battery cables? I've never really had to replace them, but these are looking a bit pooped out.

MJ

Try napa or monument those usually carry higher quality stuff then kragen generic. Last I checked at monument cables were $20 give or take.

Whitaker and Standard-Bluestreak used to make really nice cables (the Whitaker items, in particular, had really high quality Lead-plated brass terminal clamps and very durable, high-heat insulation. Haven't liked the NAPA Belden cables very much over the years. I'll use 'em, but don't like to. The most recent one I bought had a tin-plated sheetbrass terminal clamp and it has been quick to begin corroding. Looks like most of the makers are going that way. A quick Google search fails to reveal anything about Whitaker cables except that Whitaker was purchased by some other wire company in 1983 (I bought new Whitaker cables 12 years after that date!). Me, I just bought a repro original-style set of battery cables for my '62 (w/the 90° flag-style terminals) from Atlas Obsolete (they run the auctions constantly).

If I wanted to go for max durability and amp capacity, now they're aparently no longer available that way, I'd make my own. You can get whatever grade and size of cable you want, any style of terminal, etc.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I got some brass battery terminal ends and then some copper lugs to make them myself.

Cut the cable to the correct length, then install copper lug (I crimped them with an arbor press, some people solder (or both)), and used heat shrink for neatness and weather protection.

For the brass terminal ends, you can either use marine terminals,

or the replacement clamp the wire in the terminal type terminals (not the cheap lead type, they actually have them in brass), but don't clamp the wire in the terminal, use the clamp bolts to bolt on the copper lug (i.e. works just link marine terminal, but 1/2 the cost, and it's lower so you don't have to worry about the wingnut hitting the hood)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Aren't battery posts solid lead too?

I never had a problem with cheapie lead terminals that hold the wire with small threaded screws.

Yargh, y'mean these sleazy things?



They're meant for emergency short-term use only. Neither mechanically nor chemically sound over the long haul. And they're ugly!

(Aside from all that, they're fine)

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Yup I have those on my side posts and ones made from similar construction for top post. Been on there for years. They make some with 3 wire connections too, one out the bottom and one out each side. Those have 4 bolts on them.

For repairing otherwise-good cables that just need a new terminal clamp, I much prefer the solid brass compression-fitting items. You slide the compression nut (w/tapered male threads) over the cable end, then tighten it into the brass terminal clamp (w/tapered female threads). Gives a firm and sealed grip on the cable strands. Info Here; looks like this company also makes custom cables with whatever specs you want (any terminal, any cable gauge, any insulation, etc.)

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Ok, if I were to make my own cables..

1--what gauge wire? #2? #0? Where would you suggest picking it up?
2--good places to look for terminals?

Should I go searching an electrical supply house or would a better auto parts place have this stuff?

Thanks guys!

MJ

4ga is stock and generally fine; I like 2ga for a nice capacity increase. Anything larger than 2ga is massive overkill.
That's the tough part, 'cause unless you're in a rural enough area that farmers come in to e.g. Fleet Farm to get supplies to make a new cable, you're unlikely to find a stockist, just a jobber who'll want you to buy the whole roll as shipped from the mfr.
NAPA Belden's line is pretty complete.

Me, I think I'd ring that Quick company I linked to above; see if they'll make you just a set of custom cables if you want 'em. Or else get the repro '62-style ones from Atlas. Or else just get generic ones and not worry about it

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I just got a long #4 from the auto parts store and cut to length..........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Ok I'll check around and see. The Atlas ones are exactly like what I have. The only issues I have are the housing is coming off in places. They're just worn. I'll see if I can put some liquid electrical tape on them and make em look ok. That might be fun to try!

Thanks for the help--I'll see if I can find the stuff!

MJ

I've used Mopar RTV to patch up battery cables, but any kind of a patch effort is a temporary deal.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

yeah but at $60 for those atlas ones, its $60 I can save for now I'll check into makign or quick cable solutions. I have electrical tape on there now, and I dont like the routing of the positive cable right over the top of my exhaust pipe, so I figured it was time to get new ones. But I don't want to spend a fortune doing so!

MJ

Same here. 2AWG welding cable (overkill, what's that?) soldered into copper lugs, and military battery terminals from Wrangler NW. Best cheap mod I've ever done on a car.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me