What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

In The Ten Ring · 10-03-2017, 12:38 AM

I have those secondary wires on both my positive and negative cables (one goes to the fuse block and the other to a fender). I'm thinking about making new battery cables and using these clamps. Opinions?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/s.../08805/4742296

**FirstOwner69** · 10-03-2017, 02:16 AM

NO! Those are generally used to adapt a car battery for in a marine or RV application. I think you should get the correct side terminal battery and cables for your truck. Both are readily available. Might cost about $100 t0 $150 total.

Sorry to be so blunt. You have a great opportunity with a truck with family history. Please do it right.

In The Ten Ring · 10-03-2017, 03:59 AM

My truck has not had side-mounted terminals since the mid 1970's. Further, I don't want those, I want top-mounted terminals.

Anyone else?

dirish · 10-03-2017, 05:32 AM

Ebay, American made. Any gauge. Any connection.
Jegs, summit........

Killer Bee · 10-03-2017, 05:33 AM

funny, just reading your query without even looking at your link, I was thinking marine style stud, post clamps..

great for tight connections and versatility to add/remove auxiliary cables without overworking the lead posts/post clamps..

what I like most about them is the ability to readily disconnect batterys in vehicles I don't drive often..

and short of pre-molded battery cable ends, properly crimped/soldered lugs on threaded posts are of the best connections you can make..

side terminal connections are more prone to hidden corrosion, more vulnerable to over torquing, and don't tolerate frequent connections as well..

commercial trucks frequently use gp31s [stud] batterys however automotive group sizes are less common due to various oe cable ends..

following the commercial truck standard by adapting your automotive battery posts to studs seems functional to me..

however I do concede that this may not be the finishing touch to a proper restoration, but that's owner's choice..

**RodnRudy** · 10-03-2017, 08:22 AM

I'm running the terminals of which you speak. I like the ability to make your own connections rather than having to splice in the pre formed pos and neg cables. Here's a pic of mine.

CCCC · 10-03-2017, 08:28 AM

If your focus with our classics is putting them into original condition and keeping them that way, those won't work.

But, if you are like me and have a bunch of these classics and try to keep them in top condition - even though they serve a variety of purposes as working trucks - those terminal fittings will work very nicely for certain purposes. I also use "easy disconnect" terminals for some security and battery protection purposes.

I still have three trucks using side terminals on batts. I like them just fine, but they can be more prone to hidden corrosion - and i sometimes wonder if those side terminal batts may be phased out before I leave.

B. W. · 10-03-2017, 09:53 AM

I'm with both sides - not correct but makes maintenance easier. I think I'm going to use military top post clamps to make it easier to run winch cables.

71meangreenc10 · 10-03-2017, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. W.

I'm with both sides - not correct but makes maintenance easier. I think I'm going to use military top post clamps to make it easier to run winch cables.

I used to hate it when I only needed one of those for a vehicle and had to order a box (25ea). Probably got lead poisoning handling those things over the years....They do work well and give you a lot of options for cables.

Smitty

RustyBucket · 10-03-2017, 12:40 PM

I guess G.M. changed from top post to side post between '71 & '72. My '71 GMC has top posts & The '72 Blazer has side posts. I hate the little 5/16" heads on the side posts. I've rounded them off trying to loosen them and over tightened one and wrung the contact off inside a battery. The side post batteries are threaded 3/8"x16 so I use a short regular 3/8" bolt with a nut run down on it. Screw the bolt in finger tight and run the nut down to tighten the connection. Makes a nice stud for jumper cables or to connect a timing light.

My B&S Vanguard converted golf cart has cable ends for a lawn mower battery and I use a car battery with the top post/stud terminals like you have.

demian5 · 10-03-2017, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyBucket

The side post batteries are threaded 3/8"x16 so I use a short regular 3/8" bolt with a nut run down on it. Screw the bolt in finger tight and run the nut down to tighten the connection. Makes a nice stud for jumper cables or to connect a timing light.

That is the best idea (i have done that to most of my side post trucks) as you can actually do a jump start...

BugzC10 · 10-03-2017, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

I have those secondary wires on both my positive and negative cables (one goes to the fuse block and the other to a fender). I'm thinking about making new battery cables and using these clamps. Opinions?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/s.../08805/4742296

Those are exactly what I used. Can't see them with the covers on. I like them.

In The Ten Ring · 10-03-2017, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. W.

I'm with both sides - not correct but makes maintenance easier. I think I'm going to use military top post clamps to make it easier to run winch cables.

Thanks to everyone. I can't see any advantage to side-mounted posts. This is the only truck I own, no room or money for another one, and dad converted it to top post decades ago. Top mounts have to be easier to inspect, clean, jump start, and just replace the battery itself. I also looked at this type of clamp and may go that route.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/s.../08808/4742299

Since I may replace my cables completely I'd like to go with crimped on ends (circular ends) for easy connections and cleaning.

Killer Bee · 10-03-2017, 03:05 PM

the ms [military style] are great for low profile applications and for landing two larger load cables directly to the lead clamp..

designed for multiple battery applications where jumpers are required to connect them all together..

unfortunately, not sailor proof though, the 900 series on the end had a battery fire right after one of our guys dismounted the right side..

seconds later smoke was rolling from the battery box and batterys were on fire by the time we got it open..

found one of the cables mis-routed over one of the tray dividers

if we weren't in yeosu 200km from nearest US post, might have not risked it..

but we had enough stuff in the lme to make repairs and drive it back to busan

**kwmech** · 10-03-2017, 03:57 PM

Thought these were pretty cool for accessories

https://www.amazon.com/Foothill-Offr...+battery+bolts

68Gold/white · 10-03-2017, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. W.

I'm with both sides - not correct but makes maintenance easier. I think I'm going to use military top post clamps to make it easier to run winch cables.

I like those, if you have to use top posts.

I tighten the nut and bolt, then add the cable end and add another nut.

This allows the bolt to stay tight, and you can tighten the cable tighter against the inner nut.

If you just use the one nut, you have to tighten the nut against the lead cable end. This will loosen over time, something that's not needed...

100%Chevy · 10-03-2017, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyBucket

I guess G.M. changed from top post to side post between '71 & '72. My '71 GMC has top posts & The '72 Blazer has side posts. I hate the little 5/16" heads on the side posts. I've rounded them off trying to loosen them and over tightened one and wrung the contact off inside a battery. The side post batteries are threaded 3/8"x16 so I use a short regular 3/8" bolt with a nut run down on it. Screw the bolt in finger tight and run the nut down to tighten the connection. Makes a nice stud for jumper cables or to connect a timing light.

My B&S Vanguard converted golf cart has cable ends for a lawn mower battery and I use a car battery with the top post/stud terminals like you have.

Same way I've connected a car battery in my B&S converted golf cart!
I'd like to see your conversion if possible.My old 16 h.p.B&S flat twin is about used up and I'm planning a new engine.The Vanguard sounds good,or an 18 h.p. Kohler in the same configuration.

It's a GMC,so I guess it's relevant!

I have 13 vehicles in my shop/storage.All have battery disconnects for fire safety.O'Reilley's sell them for pos and neg battery terminals.

Mike.

RustyBucket · 10-04-2017, 01:17 AM

Mike, it's an '03 EZGO, bought a mount kit & two into one exhaust. New Comet clutch and I fabbed throttle linkage. Got the 18hp. Vanguard from a carpet cleaning pump off of Craigslist. Lawnmower race cam, and rev. kit. It'll run 31mph at 5,000rpm. Have a hitch on the front & rear to push & pull trailers 'round the yard. Used it to tow at the track before I sold the Nova.

100%Chevy · 10-04-2017, 09:39 AM

Thanks for the information!
Mine's a Club Car and the engine area is very limited in the width.
I too,use it to pull my cars/trailers around(on flat ground).
I'm sure mine would go at least 30,but the fat tires would make it dangerous to steer.
I wish I had a tach or speedo on mine!
It's the pick-up version with a bed.

Mike.

B. W. · 10-04-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

Thought these were pretty cool for accessories

https://www.amazon.com/Foothill-Offr...+battery+bolts

Never seen those - that's a great way to add a cable to a stock terminal, kinda pricey though. Got me thinking: you could make that out of stud. (for less)

In The Ten Ring · 10-04-2017, 01:44 PM

I have placed an order with O'Reilly's for those top-wingnut clamps. I have priced 4 gauge cable at Advance Auto for $1.79 for black and $2.99 for red at NAPA (also 4 gauge).

I think I'll remove my passenger side wheel (inner fenders are not on) and remove my cables and measure those, even take those with me to the stores.

I am looking forward to crimping my own eyelets on.

**kwmech** · 10-04-2017, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. W.

Never seen those - that's a great way to add a cable to a stock terminal, kinda pricey though. Got me thinking: you could make that out of stud. (for less)

I didn't think so, as being as they are made out of stainless steel

**HO455** · 10-04-2017, 11:04 PM

Like these? I have used them for decades at work. Commercial marine electrical. I have no qualms about using them at home. Plus it makes swapping batteries or adding a second battery to jump start easy.

mike16 · 10-05-2017, 10:46 AM

My 72 still has its origonal side terminal cables. Rather than deal with silly little bolts and the difficulty jump starting it. I installed studs in the battery and a stack of washers about inch thick, then a nut.

everything works great and I have the ability to use jumper cables on the washer stack

In The Ten Ring · 10-05-2017, 07:30 PM

Good news!

1). Picked up the marine-style battery clamps today. They are lead-free, which was kinda interesting.

2). At NAPA I discovered my original battery cables are 2 gauge, not 6.

3). NAPA supplied black for ground, red for positive, black 6 gauge for that extra ground I have, plus all the copper eyelets I need. I also bought some solder and heat shrink wrap, all for $53.00. They took off 20% since I spent 1 dollar on a NAPA tote bag.

Dad says he has a crimper that will handle 2 gauge and I can borrow a propane torch from him also. By the weekend I should have all new battery cables.

*I have to credit Special K here, his comment on the subject pushed me over the edge on making new cables.

10-03-2017, 12:38 AM	#1
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? I have those secondary wires on both my positive and negative cables (one goes to the fuse block and the other to a fender). I'm thinking about making new battery cables and using these clamps. Opinions? https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/s.../08805/4742296

10-03-2017, 02:16 AM	#2
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? NO! Those are generally used to adapt a car battery for in a marine or RV application. I think you should get the correct side terminal battery and cables for your truck. Both are readily available. Might cost about $100 t0 $150 total. Sorry to be so blunt. You have a great opportunity with a truck with family history. Please do it right.

10-03-2017, 03:59 AM	#3
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? My truck has not had side-mounted terminals since the mid 1970's. Further, I don't want those, I want top-mounted terminals. Anyone else?

10-03-2017, 05:32 AM	#4
dirish Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Heart of Tennessee Posts: 1,124	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Ebay, American made. Any gauge. Any connection. Jegs, summit........

10-03-2017, 05:33 AM	#5
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,728	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? funny, just reading your query without even looking at your link, I was thinking marine style stud, post clamps.. great for tight connections and versatility to add/remove auxiliary cables without overworking the lead posts/post clamps.. what I like most about them is the ability to readily disconnect batterys in vehicles I don't drive often.. and short of pre-molded battery cable ends, properly crimped/soldered lugs on threaded posts are of the best connections you can make.. side terminal connections are more prone to hidden corrosion, more vulnerable to over torquing, and don't tolerate frequent connections as well.. commercial trucks frequently use gp31s [stud] batterys however automotive group sizes are less common due to various oe cable ends.. following the commercial truck standard by adapting your automotive battery posts to studs seems functional to me.. however I do concede that this may not be the finishing touch to a proper restoration, but that's owner's choice..

10-03-2017, 08:22 AM	#6
RodnRudy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Palestine In Posts: 930	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? I'm running the terminals of which you speak. I like the ability to make your own connections rather than having to splice in the pre formed pos and neg cables. Here's a pic of mine. Attached Images __________________ Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net

10-03-2017, 08:28 AM	#7
CCCC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Pedro River, SE Arizona Posts: 734	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? If your focus with our classics is putting them into original condition and keeping them that way, those won't work. But, if you are like me and have a bunch of these classics and try to keep them in top condition - even though they serve a variety of purposes as working trucks - those terminal fittings will work very nicely for certain purposes. I also use "easy disconnect" terminals for some security and battery protection purposes. I still have three trucks using side terminals on batts. I like them just fine, but they can be more prone to hidden corrosion - and i sometimes wonder if those side terminal batts may be phased out before I leave. __________________ CCCC 67 Sting Ray Coupe 327 4sp; 68 K10 Suburban 327 4sp; 69 K20 Lifted 383 4sp; 69 C80 Fire Truck 478 V6 5sp/2sp; 69 C20 Longhorn 327 4sp; 70 C30 Wrecker 350 4sp; 70 C30 Flat Bed 350 4sp; 71 C20 LWB 350 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer 350 4sp; 72 C30 Flat Bed Gooseneck Hauler with sleeper 350/TH400; 72 C20 Longhorn 402 4sp; 52 Mack LTL Supercharged Cummins 5sp x 3sp; 01 Dodge 5.9 HO Cummins 6spd; 02 Safari Trek 2430 8.1 Vortec on Workhorse Chassis; 03 Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Duramax/Allison Moved but still in the family 70 C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350; 72 K5 Blazer CST Highlander 350/TH350 Recently sent to new homes 72 C30 MoHome 402 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer Conv 350 4sp; 75 GMC 6000 Aerial 350 w Allison; 72 GMC 3500 Utility 350 4sp; 70 GMC 3500, 350 4sp

10-03-2017, 09:53 AM	#8
B. W. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Bigfork, Montana Posts: 1,137	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? I'm with both sides - not correct but makes maintenance easier. I think I'm going to use military top post clamps to make it easier to run winch cables. Attached Images

10-03-2017, 12:40 PM	#10
RustyBucket Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Space Coast, Fl. Posts: 1,050	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? I guess G.M. changed from top post to side post between '71 & '72. My '71 GMC has top posts & The '72 Blazer has side posts. I hate the little 5/16" heads on the side posts. I've rounded them off trying to loosen them and over tightened one and wrung the contact off inside a battery. The side post batteries are threaded 3/8"x16 so I use a short regular 3/8" bolt with a nut run down on it. Screw the bolt in finger tight and run the nut down to tighten the connection. Makes a nice stud for jumper cables or to connect a timing light. My B&S Vanguard converted golf cart has cable ends for a lawn mower battery and I use a car battery with the top post/stud terminals like you have. Attached Images __________________ Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!!

10-03-2017, 03:05 PM	#14
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,728	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? the ms [military style] are great for low profile applications and for landing two larger load cables directly to the lead clamp.. designed for multiple battery applications where jumpers are required to connect them all together.. unfortunately, not sailor proof though, the 900 series on the end had a battery fire right after one of our guys dismounted the right side.. seconds later smoke was rolling from the battery box and batterys were on fire by the time we got it open.. found one of the cables mis-routed over one of the tray dividers if we weren't in yeosu 200km from nearest US post, might have not risked it.. but we had enough stuff in the lme to make repairs and drive it back to busan

10-03-2017, 03:57 PM	#15
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,389	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Thought these were pretty cool for accessories https://www.amazon.com/Foothill-Offr...+battery+bolts

10-04-2017, 01:17 AM	#18
RustyBucket Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Space Coast, Fl. Posts: 1,050	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Mike, it's an '03 EZGO, bought a mount kit & two into one exhaust. New Comet clutch and I fabbed throttle linkage. Got the 18hp. Vanguard from a carpet cleaning pump off of Craigslist. Lawnmower race cam, and rev. kit. It'll run 31mph at 5,000rpm. Have a hitch on the front & rear to push & pull trailers 'round the yard. Used it to tow at the track before I sold the Nova. Attached Images __________________ Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!!

10-04-2017, 09:39 AM	#19
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Thanks for the information! Mine's a Club Car and the engine area is very limited in the width. I too,use it to pull my cars/trailers around(on flat ground). I'm sure mine would go at least 30,but the fat tires would make it dangerous to steer. I wish I had a tach or speedo on mine! It's the pick-up version with a bed. Mike.

10-04-2017, 01:44 PM	#21
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? I have placed an order with O'Reilly's for those top-wingnut clamps. I have priced 4 gauge cable at Advance Auto for $1.79 for black and $2.99 for red at NAPA (also 4 gauge). I think I'll remove my passenger side wheel (inner fenders are not on) and remove my cables and measure those, even take those with me to the stores. I am looking forward to crimping my own eyelets on.

10-04-2017, 11:04 PM	#23
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,804	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Like these? I have used them for decades at work. Commercial marine electrical. I have no qualms about using them at home. Plus it makes swapping batteries or adding a second battery to jump start easy. Attached Images __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377



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10-05-2017, 10:46 AM	#24
mike16 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bisbee, arizona Posts: 1,529	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? My 72 still has its origonal side terminal cables. Rather than deal with silly little bolts and the difficulty jump starting it. I installed studs in the battery and a stack of washers about inch thick, then a nut. everything works great and I have the ability to use jumper cables on the washer stack

10-05-2017, 07:30 PM	#25
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: What do ya'll think about these battery clamps? Good news! 1). Picked up the marine-style battery clamps today. They are lead-free, which was kinda interesting. 2). At NAPA I discovered my original battery cables are 2 gauge, not 6. 3). NAPA supplied black for ground, red for positive, black 6 gauge for that extra ground I have, plus all the copper eyelets I need. I also bought some solder and heat shrink wrap, all for $53.00. They took off 20% since I spent 1 dollar on a NAPA tote bag. Dad says he has a crimper that will handle 2 gauge and I can borrow a propane torch from him also. By the weekend I should have all new battery cables. *I have to credit Special K here, his comment on the subject pushed me over the edge on making new cables.

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