I want to replace the battery cables on my 70 Eldorado.
Anyone know of a source for new ones?
Brian
IIRC, I bought my spring rings from Antique Auto Battery, same as the battery itself.
No wonder that it is under new ownership, I don't know if they stock cables, but it would be worth checking into.
Jim
Brian, here is a link to a article Jason Edge did on the 6364 site. Not sure what length 70's are but this might help. https://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/original-battery-and-cables
I bought a set from McVey for the 61.
Quote from: marty55cdv on September 20, 2018, 11:38:54 PM
Brian, here is a link to a article Jason Edge did on the 6364 site. Not sure what length 70's are but this might help. https://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/original-battery-and-cables
Yes, the 1969 Camaro Spring Ring cables I sourced through Heartbeat City were an almost exact match. All I had to do was transfer the bottom ground strap from an old original negative cable. Not sure what length the 70's cables are but you might be surprised how close you can get to items for our old Cadillacs by checking out places like Heartbeat City and Corvette Central.
Just put in a new battery ground in my '70, $9 at NAPA...
\m/
Laurie
My source was same Antique Battery, but something happened a few years ago and they no longer supply these. These were very good and they are working great on my cars now.
Just a comment. These things were a bad idea back in the day. There's not enough clamp force so corrosion overcame, so they eventually become resistances. They had to be (frequently) cleaned and "shaved" prior to reinstall. So they weren't expected to last the life of the vehicle when period batteries only lasted a 2-4 years. They sold bolt through replacement end connectors(terminals) because of the corrosion losses, which is technically period correct. Even with the advent of side post, they sold adapters. Now they usually come with both post types. Like exhaust systems, batteries, tires, gaskets, seals, etc. some parts are meant to be expendable and I respect there's an aura of authenticity in "all from the factory original", but from a go forward practical standpoint, if these are replaced with a better available part, then no reason not to employ it. It'll help reserve the life of the vehicle. Replacement cables even if spec aren't "original", per se. I'd abide by the wire gauge and insulation colors, but an expendable end is not critical. I suspect the reason they aren't being reproduced is they just weren't a good design, low/no shrinking demand, and better alternates. The EPA has all but eliminated any lead processing in this country and was trying to shut down the last lead battery recycling. Even the vintage "look" batteries are not OEM inside. This often happens in OEM parts, when a redesign came out and the NOS was used up, they superseded with the better part number. In this case, the predecessor was better. I'd just keep the old cable, if original, for show and tell.
If you find some and you want to protect, the red spray they sell today, I don't recall, was used by factory, so if used, it'll be incorrect anyway so to speak. So without, they'll need to be replaced again sooner most likely. A replacement shop may have used spray. I seem to recall our garage started using it, but not sure what year that was. I know I replaced spring clamp terminals with bolt thru back then. Even the bolts or bolt terminals would require periodic replacement. Some smeared/sprayed white grease trying to ineffectually keep out moisture, most left them as is as the factory.
These exact replacement type items will only continue to get increasingly scarce with time, so we'll have to adjust our thinking anyway. So it's happening with the '70s now. It's worse going back. Two tracks, hoard old parts or go with the flow. One is a dead end.
I have to respectfully disagree.
I have a 30,000 mile all original 70 DeVille convertible.
It has the original spring ring terminals and they function perfectly.
The car I need these for is a 15,000 mile all original Eldorado.
I want it to have the correct cables on it.
The first owner had a battery replaced at a local shop and they took it upon themselves to "improve" his battery cables by snipping off the ring ends and using the universal clamp type replacements. I'd like to have the correct cables back on there.
Brian,
Hi. There's a place in Bellmawr, NJ that I used to use for all my GM wiring goodies. They used to carry spring ring Battery Cables also. Maybe they'll have what you're looking for, and they're not far from you. Good Luck!
Bobby
https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/nsearch/?q=spring+ring+battery+cables
Quote from: 76eldo on September 23, 2018, 12:07:31 PM
I have to respectfully disagree.
I have a 30,000 mile all original 70 DeVille convertible.
It has the original spring ring terminals and they function perfectly.
Yes,been using on my cars for 15+ years, no problems either. Got mine from Antique Battery years ago. Chuck
You know I have no patience for the "Fake authentic" that is really junk, such as tower clamps. These snap ring battery cables are good.
My 1970 SDV with 35 miles had the original cables, but they had been butchered during a battery replacement along the way, but still worked fine, just looked bad. I replaced them with the Antique Auto battery cables in 2012 and they are still working great. All three of my 1970 Cadillacs use these spring snap ring cables and they are fine. I use a "T" handle negative disconnect that intercepts the battery cable before it joins the frame and body, so this cable does not get abused being removed for any service. It is nice, just do not have to think about these until this post.