I am going to have some battery cables made up for my Chevelle (70-72) and wanted to ask what length are the factory cables? (my inner fenders/battery tray aren't in yet and the old cables are not available).

I am guessing the positive cable to the starter should be about 48" and the ground cable should be about 30" (gonna bolt it to the head). Is this about right?

Also, what guage ground wire should I run up to the fender (not worried about originallity)?

I want to have the cables made now, so I will have them on hand over the weekend when I am hoping to be able to finally fire the engine.

Thanks for whatever help you can offer.

Bringing to the top because I'd like the same info. The cable on my 72 SB has always been too long - it is about 56". I agree with Wayne that 48" would seem to be the right length, IS IT?

Buy or borrow a cable crimper tool; and make your own cable for a perfect fit.

http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/graphics/crimper.jpg

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0844004

http://www.atlweldingsupply.com/Hammer-On-Welding-Cable-Lug-Crimper-_p_556-2699.html

Been looking for that tool for awhile now. I started using up old cables by adding new lugs and clamps for various toys.

Any suggestions on folks here as to whether one should crimp only, solder only, or crimp and solder?

I have recently gotten in the habit of soldering my bat cable connections, and its worked so far.

Been looking for that tool for awhile now. I started using up old cables by adding new lugs and clamps for various toys.

Any suggestions on folks here as to whether one should crimp only, solder only, or crimp and solder?

I have recently gotten in the habit of soldering my bat cable connections, and its worked so far.
Soldering is supposedly not recommended on these heavy cables due to solder creep up under the insulation; and insulation deterioration due to heat.

Short story: Most folks can't solder the end PROPERLY; and it's better to not solder at all than to do it wrong.

I'd have no problem at all with just crimping and then a nice covering of heat-shrink tubing to keep the moisture out.

On thin-gauge wire--let's say anything smaller than 8 gauge--I absolutely crimp then solder then heat-shrink.