Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

[Mark A.]

I am not having any luck finding correct battery cables. I ordered a set from Paragon for a late 69, but they have a 5/16 head instead of the needed 7/16. Jim's Battery does not carry cables. Anyone know where I can get a set of correct late 69 cables? Mark

[Terry M.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

I am not having any luck finding correct battery cables. I ordered a set from Paragon for a late 69, but they have a 5/16 head instead of the needed 7/16. Jim's Battery does not carry cables. Anyone know where I can get a set of correct late 69 cables? Mark

Mark
The cables are the same. It is the bolt that attaches to the side terminal battery that is different. The bolt is replaceable.

There is/was an AC Delco Kit that contains the 7/16 hex head bolts. I will have to do some looking at home for the part number of that Kit. It might be easier to find the number in the story I did for The Restorer about the introduction of the side terminal battery. I did that story some time in the mid-1990s.

However even with that part number the chances of finding one of those kits this far down the road is not very great. You may have to bite the bullet and settle for the 5/16 bolt.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

You might call Lectric Limited and see if the bolt is available.
Odds are that they're the company making them, and would know the answer. Paragon is only a seller of these, not a maker.

[Mark A.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Thanks again. Lectric had the right bolts. Hopefully I can get them changed without ruining the plastic surround.

[Mark E.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

They should just push out without much drama.

[Terry M.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Thanks again. Lectric had the right bolts. Hopefully I can get them changed without ruining the plastic surround.

Warming the plastic around the bolt will make the removal and install easier. Put the end in boiling water, and don't burn your hands.

[Joe L.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Warming the plastic around the bolt will make the removal and install easier. Put the end in boiling water, and don't burn your hands.

Terry------


It's easier to use a heat gun or hair dryer but it's the best way to remove the bolt without the chance of cracking the insulator. In fact, I just did this with my 1992.

[James G.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

As far as I know the available reproduction cables from Lectric do not have the DELCO EYE on the cable end they have a (+) or a (-).
According to Lectric they would have had to pay for an additional trademark ($2500) only for 1969 and MOST if not all 1970 Cables.

pos batt cable.jpg
Resized_20200916_223241.jpg

By late 70 - 1971 the cables have a (+) or (-) vs the DELCO EYE - Whether or not the 69 judging manual notes such and if this is judged I do not know.

[Joe L.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

As far as I know the available reproduction cables from Lectric do not have the DELCO EYE on the cable end they have a (+) or a (-).
According to Lectric they would have had to pay for an additional trademark ($2500) only for 1969 and MOST if not all 1970 Cables.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]104337[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]104338[/ATTACH]

By late 70 - 1971 the cables have a (+) or (-) vs the DELCO EYE - Whether or not the 69 judging manual notes such and if this is judged I do not know.

James-------


By the way, original 1969 side terminal battery cables used aluminum wire, not copper. I expect the reproductions are copper, though.

[Ron G.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

All - I know this has nothing to do with a 69 battery cable, but I personally am in need of a 1971 bolt that attaches the negative cable to the battery. Not interested in aftermarket and if used it must be in excellent condition. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Terry M.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

James-------


By the way, original 1969 side terminal battery cables used aluminum wire, not copper. I expect the reproductions are copper, though.

Joe

The copper clad aluminum cables started normal production in 1972 model year. Those cables are identified by that wording heat stamped into the cables. Prior to that model year the battery cables were copper. There was a test batch of such copper clad aluminum cables in model year 1969, and we have been looking for the range of that batch for a couple of decades. If yours are among those we would very much appreciate that information. Again, that information is covered in the side terminal battery story I referenced above.

[James G.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Terry,
My original 71 #21783 last day production has the Aluminum positive cable, I would have to check on the neg.
100_1170.jpg

[Terry M.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Terry,
My original 71 #21783 last day production has the Aluminum positive cable, I would have to check on the neg.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]104347[/ATTACH]

Thanks Jim. Apparently they "pulled forward" the 1972 style battery cable(s). Good to know.

[Joe L.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

Joe

The copper clad aluminum cables started normal production in 1972 model year. Those cables are identified by that wording heat stamped into the cables. Prior to that model year the battery cables were copper. There was a test batch of such copper clad aluminum cables in model year 1969, and we have been looking for the range of that batch for a couple of decades. If yours are among those we would very much appreciate that information. Again, that information is covered in the side terminal battery story I referenced above.

Terry------


It has always been my understanding, perhaps incorrectly, that all 1969 side terminals used the aluminum cables. In any event, I cannot find the wording on my battery cables. On the positive cable it is possible that it's on the surface I cannot see without removing the cable. It is not seen on the negative cable.

[Joe L.]

Re: Looking for correct l 69 battery cables

All - I know this has nothing to do with a 69 battery cable, but I personally am in need of a 1971 bolt that attaches the negative cable to the battery. Not interested in aftermarket and if used it must be in excellent condition. Thank you in advance for your help.

Ron------


I believe 1972 used a 5/16" head bolt for both positive and negative. You can still obtain such a bolt from GM that is virtually identical to the original bolt. GM #19115561. The only difference I can discern is that the original bolt was dull zinc plated whereas the current one is bright zinc. That's easily modified. About 2 bucks from GM or Delco dealers.