Battery Cables Questions

[Bookmaker]

I need to replace the batter cables (+ and -) on my 1974 Duster.

Question: Yearone lists a positive cable for 1969 through 1972 models ($159.99). Jim's Auto Parts lists one for 1967 through 1976 ($169.95). The Year one cable is cheaper and has free shipping. Can I assume it will be the right part for my 1974? Any differences in these cables over the years?

Thanks!

 

[crackedback]

Do you care about them being original looking?

Larger cables are available that will help starter performance than the OEM sizing.

Unless you are looking for an OEM style, no way in hades I'm paying that much for a $20-50 wire.

 

[ScampMike]

I strongly urge you not to buy anything from Jims.. they are a middleman seller, if they have it, then so does someone else and for less. Long story short, I ended up writing to the BBB about them - horrible - hands down worst parts buying experience ever! Call Year One if that is the route you decide to go - customer service is pretty good and light years above the horse$#!t you'll deal with at Jims..

you make batter with your cables...? hehehehe

 

[Dubob]

I had a local electrical supply shop (JN electric in Sharonville Ohio) make mine for my 71 Demon. Measured lengths for what I wanted (I've got a big block in it) they also built the "auxiliary leads in" to the lengths I wanted. I elected to go with 1/0. They were nowhere near that exspensive.

 

[65 Dartman]

If you are looking for OEM cables from an OEM supplier, contact Robert Wallace at M&H 562-926-9552 (same people who supply the OEM underdash harnesses for Year One). M&H has the original blueprints and will build and sell you OEM battery cables that are correct in every way. I have a set for my 65 Barracuda and they are spot on correct. Ulf (65dartcharger) used a set for his award-winning 65 DartCharger.

 

[mccoymail]

or you could go Rockauto for $11.38

 

[krazykuda]

I strongly urge you not to buy anything from Jims.. they are a middleman seller, if they have it, then so does someone else and for less. Long story short, I ended up writing to the BBB about them - horrible - hands down worst parts buying experience ever! Call Year One if that is the route you decide to go - customer service is pretty good and light years above the horse$#!t you'll deal with at Jims..

you make batter with your cables...? hehehehe

I don't use Jim's either after a bad experience with him... :finga: :finga: :finga:

 

[krazykuda]

Why not go to Napa and get a 48" red top post battery cable with the extra wire coming off of it.

Then attach the end of the large cable to the big post on the starter after routing the wire correctly through the clamp on the firewall. I cut the old one of the old cable and taped it to my cable in the same position from the end that goes to the starter.

Then get some 10 gauge red wire and wire from the small terminal on the starter to the starter relay.

Then run the pigtail from the clamp end to the other terminal on the starter relay, and you will have a functional wire for about $30-$40 with the fittings...


Here'a a few pictures to give you the idea:

Here's the cables that I got from Napa, I got a 45" one, but I could use the extra length of the 48" for routing slack.

View attachment Batt Cable A03 B.jpg

Here's how I made the end for the starter:

View attachment Batt Cable A18 B.jpg

Here's the whole thing with the small wire taped to the large one. I will add the starter relay terminals once I get it in the car. We need to install a new battery tray, so I will do that end after we get the battery tray installed and I can get the wire lengths better:

View attachment Batt Cable A22 B.jpg

View attachment Batt Cable A25 B.jpg

Here's where I put the old grommet on that clamps to the firewall brackets to keep the wires from hitting the exhaust.

View attachment Batt Cable A23 B.jpg

This is going on my son's 71 Valiant that we are putting a 360 in. We're not going for a resto, just functionality and reliability. We now have a good new positive cable for under $40....

If you want closer to stock, go Year One, but it won't be exactly as the original, but closer than mine. I don't see paying all the extra money for a non resto that you just want to drive...

 

[Bookmaker]

Thanks for all of the replies. While I wish I could go for Rockauto's pricing, I'm going to take a chance on Yearone's cable since it will match what is on there now. The car is a survivor so I'm trying to keep it looking as original as possible. Also appreciate the review on Jim's.

 

[crackedback]

Check around, YO had a 30% off code recently

Here is a code, 30% off, ends today.

MOPAR

 

[Bookmaker]

Check around, YO had a 30% off code recently

Here is a code, 30% off, ends today.

MOPAR

You just saved me $48 with that code. Thanks!

 

[crackedback]

No problem!

 

[Bookmaker]

No problem!

BTW, I just got around to installing your headlight relay harness kit. Perfect fit. Well done!

 

[crackedback]

Thank you.

If you could post in the headlight relay for sale thread, I'd appreciate it.

Rob

 

[Richie]

I strongly urge you not to buy anything from Jims.. they are a middleman seller, if they have it, then so does someone else and for less. Long story short, I ended up writing to the BBB about them - horrible - hands down worst parts buying experience ever! Call Year One if that is the route you decide to go - customer service is pretty good and light years above the horse$#!t you'll deal with at Jims..

you make batter with your cables...? hehehehe

I lost two package shelves with Jims