Battery Cable

[JAB'70]

To all the chevy lovers out there. What is the correct cable (wire) size for the 67-72 pickups. 2 gauge, 4 guage or ??? I drive a '70 and I'm changing out alternator, battery, cables, starter...Going new, they are what was on the truck when I bought it 2 1/2 years ago. They were beat up but worked...Just for info it put me down a while back so I'm cleaning house, something I should have done sooner...I know, I know...

[sjarrett71]

Are you trying to go original? If so I have no clue. I would suggest just a good medium size battery cable both negative and positive. I definately wouldn't go smallest in the store but unless you have added electronics I wouldn't think you would need the biggest either.

Just my .02 cents.

[JAB'70]

Originally Posted by sjarrett71

Are you trying to go original? If so I have no clue. I would suggest just a good medium size battery cable both negative and positive. I definately wouldn't go smallest in the store but unless you have added electronics I wouldn't think you would need the biggest either.

Just my .02 cents.

No, I'm trying to go original. Just trying to get the optimum cable the voltage flow. No add on electronics either. I'll will probably go with the 2 guage cable. By the way, USMC huh. I did 25 years in the Navy...did a lot of amphibious ops...

[69GMCLonghorn]

Are you really going that original?? I'd go with a good 0 or 1 gauge cable and have some peace of mind. Unless you're entering it in Pebble Beach next year, I wouldn't sweat the little stuff like that. Chevy's have a habit of cooking the positive cable down where it comes close to the exhaust. The heavier duty cable you get, the less likely you'll be to have a problem with it.

[74STPSIDE]

i would upgrade the pos and neg wires to 1/0 just make sure you do them all and make sure to route the new wire to the starter away from the ehaust as best as you can and then get some of that silver heat wrap for the wire ive done this a couple of times so its also good to add a 1/0 body to frame ground for good measure and if you want it to look pretty go to www.sonicelectronix.com and get a spool of car audio power cable you cant beat thier prices.

[JAB'70]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

Are you really going that original?? I'd go with a good 0 or 1 gauge cable and have some peace of mind. Unless you're entering it in Pebble Beach next year, I wouldn't sweat the little stuff like that. Chevy's have a habit of cooking the positive cable down where it comes close to the exhaust. The heavier duty cable you get, the less likely you'll be to have a problem with it.

I meant to say, I'm NOT going that original....

[69GMCLonghorn]

Originally Posted by JAB'70

I meant to say, I'm NOT going that original....

That does make a difference! It's really up to you. The stock cables obviously work, but with all the classics I've owned, I've always tried to improve upon the original stuff as I replace things, for instance:

Swap the points for the Ignitor
Ace the voltage regulator and go with an internally regulated alternator.
Add headers and free flowing exhaust.
Put a B & M 1075 BLOWER on it... No!... Wait, that was a dream...

[JAB'70]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

That does make a difference! It's really up to you. The stock cables obviously work, but with all the classics I've owned, I've always tried to improve upon the original stuff as I replace things, for instance:

Swap the points for the Ignitor
Ace the voltage regulator and go with an internally regulated alternator.
Add headers and free flowing exhaust.
Put a B & M 1075 BLOWER on it... No!... Wait, that was a dream...

I've done all of the above, except replace the cables and of course the B & M 1075 BLOWER. Thanks for the input....

[rlm316]

#2 should do you just fine. If you want a really good cable, try and find some #2 welding cable and make your own cables from that.