C2 Battery and Cables

[Jeff #38708]

I am in the process of replacing the battery in my 1963. I have discovered that the battery cables have been replaced with the standard clamp type cables. I am considering replacing them with the correct reproduction Spring Ring type cables. Are these cables reliable and do they provide adequate terminal connection? Would you recommend the reproduction batteries? What are the appropriate battery specs (cold cranking amps, etc)?

Thanks, Jeff

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Battery and Cables

all our restored and driver midyears have repro spring ring battery cables( i bought them from lectric limited years ago) and have had no problem with them, as long as the posts and cables receive a liberal coat of battery anti-oxidant(available at most napa-tyupe stores). i usually shoot for 500 plus cca for small blocks and the highest cca # for the big blocks.Unless you're gonna have the old girl judged attempting Duntov #'s, i'd stick a generic battery in her. if you're going for duntov, Restoration Battery (they ad in driveline) will work fine. mike

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Battery and Cables

Jeff - I agree with Dr. Mike. Get a good, 5-6 year, new style post battery, I suggest a Delco, and you'll be happy as a clam and you won't have a problem with the terminals and spring rings corroding and keep the battery charged and it won't let you down abd the best way to go if you're going to drive it. Have fun. Pete

BTW, I'd suggest that the new spring ring cables are in fact better than the original production ones; but I never said that; but then again originally you had to deal with those original batteries.

[Jeff #38708]

Re: C2 Battery and Cables

Mike and Pete - Thanks for the advice. I'll go with the repro spring ring cables and the standard (new style) battery. I was also thinking Delco. Thanks, -Jeff

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Battery and Cables

Be careful not to let the outer coating on the positive terminal touch the engine block. I installed repro cables (Lectric Limited) once on a big block with the correct clip on the solenoid and it was barely touching the engine, but melted through and shorted out and ruined the battery as well as the cables. I don't know if the coating is as original, but it didn't take much contact with the block to burn through and there isn't much room between the exhaust manifold and the block.