Battery Cables

fftoddster

fftoddster

Senior Member
I thought I would get new battery cables so I ordered from Joe's Antique Auto

Well the arrived and they are from Vintique :( They appear to be a lot smaller in diameter than my originals.

I am still running 6 volt system and believe that it is best to have larger diameter cables.

Thoughts? Thinking of just putting heat shrink on my old cables. They cleaned up well just the insulation is shot. Then try to return the new cables?
 
Why are there so many Battery switch to solenoid cable cables and ground straps on Mac's site for 1932-1948? Is it the length of the cable? I'm looking for my '34 fordor but they all say they fit it.

Tom
 
Battery and starter solenoid locations moved around a lot. Do you know the length you need or what length you currently have? Are you concerned about it being the same as the original?
 
Yes, J, I can measure how long the current cables are. I thought all 1934 fordors would be uniform.
 
tomkc1 said:
Yes, J, I can measure how long the current cables are. I thought all 1934 fordors would be uniform.
Click to expand...

Maybe I misunderstood your question, I thought you were asking why there were different cables lengths for the years 32 through 48! Sorry, were you asking if there should be different cable lengths for the 34? Technically I would think there is only one original length as it came from the factory. If you want an exact match to the original I don't know the length, David would be a good source. If you are not concerned with matching the original then any covenant length should work. As to why they say they all fit the 34, well, guess they are correct, they will fit!:)
 
Most times you can go to Napa Auto Parts with your cable length and what gauge cable you need and they will have it or can order it and have it the next day.
 
Send that Vintique crap back, because thinner wire, they may heat up like toaster filament wires!
go to
http://www.riwire.com/ they have the closest to originals, if you want to replace the original cables. Buy quality, they will last a lifetime.
 
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You can also go to you local Semi Truck parts house/shop and have some made for you. I also know a few who have gone to the local welding supply house and bought the cables and taken them to local shop and had ends swaged on them. If you go the NAPA route make sure they are big enough diameter for 6V and NOT 12V.
 
I like to have 00 welding cable made up with battery ends (you can do it yourself also). More strains of wire per gauge. Little more expensive but as mentioned it's an important part of the system.
 
If you make up your own, DO NOT use the clamped/bolted on "replacement" ends. These will work OK in the beginning, but then will be the first place corrosion starts. The ends need to be soldered on.
 
Hi fftoddster,

Did you actually measure the conductor diameter? Number 1 AWG is used on the 6 volt Fords and the conductor diameter is a little over a 1/4"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

AWG Diameter
1 0.2893

I have the same cable in my 32 from Joe's and it is the correct gauge length and insulated well. For the rest of my cables, I made my own from welding cable and crimped on ends.

Glenn
 
I've always been told at least "O" minimum because of the length of distance from the starter's to the starter switch. Maybe the better question is how many AMPS does the 6V starter draw? I know "O" will handle up to 150 amps & "OO" 190 Amps....that's where the rubber will meet the road!!!
 
My car came to me with 12 volt cables. One had a bolt on clamp on end. There was also a new starter on the car and a die cast disconnect post on one side of the 8 volt battery he installed.

Fortunately the previous owner never used the radio because the mounting bolt that holds the antenna and radio to the dash was someones invention that also grounded the antenna. I installed the correct cables and a 6 volt Optima. The radio now has the correct mounting bolt with insulator and it plays well now.

The wrong cables created a bunch of extra problems for the previous owner. The right cables, two new brake bulbs, and I am happy.
 
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