[VA240Z]

Okay, I'm changing to a reverse post battery to get the positive post away from the inspection panel and fender on my '72 240z. Where can I get battery cables for this? There are three ways I figure this can go:

1.) I've heard about using welding cable to make your own battery cables. Does anyone have a shop listing of parts for this as well as stores where these parts can be found.

2.) Does anybody know of existing battery cables that can be used for this?

3.) I've seen in car stereo catalogs all kinds of terminals and cable. If I go this route, what size cable to get, anyone have experience good or bad on these aftermarket battery terminals.

Last thing if I have to make my own cable, what size cable to use for the ground to the firewall.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[240 4U2NV]

If you go for aftermarket battery terminals make sure you get good ones not the cheapest thing you can find, i got a new terminal for my 73 from radio shack in the summer cuz the old one was like corroded to nothing, when i went to take it off a few weeks ago the terminal broke off, between the round clip part and where the wire goes in. As for what size wires to use, use ones that are the same size or maybe a little hevier then the stock ones you take off, if you bring them to your local car audio shop they can match up the size and will have good terminals too.

 

[79-280-ZX]

Since you are changing the battery, why not check out a side post battery. This way you could get a bigger battery, more capacity and no top posts.

As far as cables go, Exide for example, make cables that are pre-made with connectors on each end in various lengths.

You can also get rubber / plastic covers that slip over the ends to prevent shorts.

While you are at it replace the battery hold down strap.

Wayne Monteath
Masham, Quebec.

 

[jcool78 2plus2]

Stock cables are usually 4 ga. Most good auto parts stores have alternate sizes in larger gauges (have you ever seen the batts. on a Semi?). You dont need to make up cables unless you need/want to for a special appl. like relocating the bat. to the rear of the car. Just look up the length and gauge and terminal size (+ and - are diff.) to fit your appl.

 

[New2Zs]

hey, this is my first Z 83ZX N/A and was noticing that the terminals are close to the hood, is this a hazzard? Just wondering...

 

[johnb510]

yes it can be a hazard.

if your battery is not bolted down, you are asking for trouble.
VA240Z, you can make your own cables. I live in Winchester, VA and we have a store called "Battery Mart". You may have something similar where you are, or try some car stereo shops. See if they have any 1050 heavy duty power cable (1050 is the number of wires in the cable). 4 gauge will be ok. Buy some cable lugs (use a heavy duty soldering iron or propane torch to melt the solder). I would recommend using marine style terminals. With the marine terminals you can stack other lugs onto the terminal, which is handy for driving lights, stereos, ect. Be sure to heat shrink the soldered lugs to keep out moisture.

 

[Lee Smith]

Re: yes it can be a hazard.

My hold downs are gone, so I use a bunge, and a piece of innertube over battery