Battery Terminal Bolts

[Glen C.]

This may be the proverbial silly question but I'm hoping someone can put me on the right path. I got up this morning and started to install a new battery in my 1991. Apparently the previous owner stripped the corners of the terminal bolt on the positive cable. I can use channel locks to install the new battery but I need to order the parts to do the job correctly.

I see that replacement terminal bolts are on the Eckler's website but in looking at my cable ends it appears that the bolt is made into the connector and I see no seam in the connector to open it up to replace the bolt.

Am I missing something or is this just a case of needing to replace the positive cable entirely?

Thanks,

Glen

[Edward J.]

Re: Battery Terminal Bolts

Glen, you can just go to your local napa auto parts store and buy the correct replacement bolt, the rubber coating around the cable is sometimes stiff in the cold weather and can easily be removed with a hair dryer when heated.

[Glen C.]

Re: Battery Terminal Bolts

Ed,

Thanks. I'll get up to NAPA and then give the hairdryer a try. It was about 30 in the garage and the coating was stiff as a board. I actually thought the bolt might have been imbedded during the manufacturing process.

Learning a lot with this car.

Thanks again,

Glen

Glen

[Jim T.]

Re: Battery Terminal Bolts

Hope the hair dryer works. I recently replaced the positive attaching bolt in my 85's original battery cable. Rubber was hardened enough that I used my razor sharp knife to remove a small amount of rubber . Still works great without the removed rubber.
I have a new positive cable to install on the 85, right now it just looks like a whole lot of work that does not have to be done since I replaced the bolt.

[Terry M.]

Re: Battery Terminal Bolts

Those bolts will back out, but as Ed states the plastic holds them in. He (Ed) has the right idea. If NAPA doesn't have them, there is a good chance they can be obtained from your local GM dealer. They may also be on the hanging-bubble cards marked HELP at your FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store), but I wouldn't hold out much hope for help from the counter creatures at Auto Zone, Advance, Kragen's or O'Riley's. If they ask for your VIN, Run.

[Glen C.]

Re: Battery Terminal Bolts

The hairdryer worked like a charm. Thanks I'm back on the road again.