battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 07-11-2017, 01:07 AM

My truck is a 71, and had a top post battery from factory. Yeah, while they changed to side posts in 71, doesn't mean they weren't using up stock. I like the top post idea, because it's truck original, and the positive side is near the fender......However, side post looks a tad cleaner to me, they're easier to work with, and seems they produce less external acid. So I'm leaning toward a "year original"

side post battery.

Anyway, I need to order some cables. I know my truck had two clips that retain the positive cable to the oil pan. Not sure of bolt locations, but simple enough. There's also a clip on top of the frame for it, just forward the fuel pump. I believe that's it from a retention standpoint, though for what it's worth, this truck has factory A/C.

1. What I'm wondering is, how does the positive cable route from the clip on the frame to the starter? In other terms, how is it routed in relationship to the fuel pump & engine mount, before it connects to the oil pan?

2. Also, Do you know what the correct cable lengths are? I think I've read 48" & 25" for side posts. If true, does that apply to BBC & SBC?

Thank you

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 07-11-2017, 11:26 AM

More/less a bump....................here's a pic. of the front most positive battery clip on a 350, courtesy Firstowner. I'm not familiar with 350s and can't tell which bolt is used. Nor if the same would apply to a 402.

**FirstOwner69** · 07-11-2017, 01:17 PM

In the picture you posted of my 350, the oil pan clips are retained by the 2nd and 4th bolts from the front of the oil pan. However, I have no idea what a big block pan even looks like. The cable runs from the clip/strap/loop on the frame (see pictures below showing the clip) in front of the motor mount directly to the front most oil pan clip.

**FirstOwner69** · 07-11-2017, 01:31 PM

Here's a zoomed version of the same picture you posted with the cable route traced.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 07-11-2017, 06:14 PM

I had forgotten you said 2nd & 4th bolts. This time I wrote it down.

At a glance, no reason this wouldn't apply to a BBC as well. That or close enough. If that second bolt from the front is used, my guess is the cable routs to the outside of the fuel pump and onto the pan.

07-11-2017, 01:07 AM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,386	battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? My truck is a 71, and had a top post battery from factory. Yeah, while they changed to side posts in 71, doesn't mean they weren't using up stock. I like the top post idea, because it's truck original, and the positive side is near the fender......However, side post looks a tad cleaner to me, they're easier to work with, and seems they produce less external acid. So I'm leaning toward a "year original" side post battery. Anyway, I need to order some cables. I know my truck had two clips that retain the positive cable to the oil pan. Not sure of bolt locations, but simple enough. There's also a clip on top of the frame for it, just forward the fuel pump. I believe that's it from a retention standpoint, though for what it's worth, this truck has factory A/C. 1. What I'm wondering is, how does the positive cable route from the clip on the frame to the starter? In other terms, how is it routed in relationship to the fuel pump & engine mount, before it connects to the oil pan? 2. Also, Do you know what the correct cable lengths are? I think I've read 48" & 25" for side posts. If true, does that apply to BBC & SBC? Thank you __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 07-11-2017 at 01:17 AM.

07-11-2017, 11:26 AM	#2
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,386	Re: battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? More/less a bump....................here's a pic. of the front most positive battery clip on a 350, courtesy Firstowner. I'm not familiar with 350s and can't tell which bolt is used. Nor if the same would apply to a 402. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

07-11-2017, 01:17 PM	#3
FirstOwner69 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,854	Re: battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? In the picture you posted of my 350, the oil pan clips are retained by the 2nd and 4th bolts from the front of the oil pan. However, I have no idea what a big block pan even looks like. The cable runs from the clip/strap/loop on the frame (see pictures below showing the clip) in front of the motor mount directly to the front most oil pan clip. Attached Images

07-11-2017, 01:31 PM	#4
FirstOwner69 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,854	Re: battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? Here's a zoomed version of the same picture you posted with the cable route traced. Attached Images Last edited by FirstOwner69; 07-11-2017 at 02:59 PM.

07-11-2017, 06:14 PM	#5
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,386	Re: battery cable length & factory positive cable routing for BBC? I had forgotten you said 2nd & 4th bolts. This time I wrote it down. At a glance, no reason this wouldn't apply to a BBC as well. That or close enough. If that second bolt from the front is used, my guess is the cable routs to the outside of the fuel pump and onto the pan. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025



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