[mahlmann]

Here are some battery-related trivia questions that I'd like to get some answers for. I KNOW there are folks on this list who know these facts.

1. When were side-terminal batteries first used on GM products?

2. Just what size is that damn little bolt in the end of the battery cable?

3. Would a '69 Elky have come from the factory with a side terminal battery?

Thanks for any (good) answers!

Best regards,

-Mike A.



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Mike Ahlmann
'69 Elky SS-396
Sunnyvale, CA
There are no athiests at 150 MPH!

 

[chev64]

the bolt has 3/8 threads and a 5/16 wrench fits. available in the "HELP" section of your favorite discount parts store.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met.
Maryland Chevelle Club

 

[Coppertop]

Side terminals were generally used for "heavy duty" applications. My '70 came from the factory with top-mount terminals as the car was not ordered (or forced to order) a heavy duty battery which was typical for Hi-po such as LS-6 vehicles.

 

[RC 70]

Good question and something I've been wondering myself. I've seen 70 LS6's at shows with the side mounted terminals and was under the impression that was the first year for the side mounts but don't know for sure. My 70 LS5 came with the heavy duty battery option so I guess according to Coppertop it must have come with the side mounts. Anybody else have a definite answer when the sides first showed up on a GM car?

 

[pmullaly]

I worked in a filling station/garage back in the late 70's-82 and I remember seeing them appear around the 78-79 years.
The reason? Only thing I could figure is so the battery would fit under the hood without the battery posts hitting the underside

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Philip Mullaly
72 TPI El Camino
An Oldsmobile is a Chevy with lock-washers(and more torque)

 

[JWagner]

A check of the assembly manuals may help. I have looked at the 1972 and it shows wiring routing for only side terminal types. However, the 1970 service manual shows both types. There is no explanation of how they were applied.

 

[johnnyr]

Wasn't 69 the first year of the side termials? My friend has a 69 Z28 that came with them on it. it is a April of 69 build date & he has a Feb. car that has the top post on it both are true Z28.

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johnnyr

 

[BillK]

My 71 came with side terminal battery, if that helps you any.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

 

[MalibuJerry350]

Both, my wife's and my '70 Chevelle, came with top terminal batteries. Hers had the "smaller" battery because of the 307; mine had the larger battery with the 350.

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MalibuJerry350
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
540,000+ miles on car.
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

 

[Cam]

My understanding is the side terminal Delcos first appeared with the new 2nd generation F-bodies (Camaro/Firebird). They were also used in '70 on the 454 Chevelles. For 1971 they were used across the whole range.
Like I said, this is only my understanding; a factory assembly manual could lend some credibility as to the precise applications.