I would have posted this in the electrical section, but it seems more appropriate for this crowd. My '71 GSX was built the last week of January. Many moons ago, the battery clamps wore out and I replaced them with the type that clamp over the existing wire leads. These are top mount replacements which leads me to believe that the originals were top mount. I'm about to pull the trigger on a new harness and want to make sure I'm buying the right period correct piece. I believe '71 was the changeover year (not positive). Does anyone know the approximate timeframe of the changeover? I'm 90% sure spring ring top mount was original, but I changed those clamps some 30 years ago and am looking for some reassurance before I place my order. Flint built car, if that matters.
Ken, Changeover date was around the end of Febuary. You car would still have the top terminal cables, like the 70 cars. And you have the best evidence of that , since your car has been in the family since new, and you have the original top terminal style cables. JW
Thanks Jim, I just wasn't 100% sure as like I said the spring rings were long ago cut off and replaced with universal type clamps like you'd get in the Help! parts section at an Autozone. Now I can place my order.
Woh Ken, one of my favorite subjects. Exact date for addiiton was Feb 22 71 as Jim mentioned so there was probably another few weeks before it actually happend. I have been trying to research exact timing on this but have not been able to get a set date. There was another later revision on March 19, 71 that said to take the Negative cable out of the clip on the inner wheel well. Before that for a very short time both cables passed through the same clip. This is for 455 cars anyway. How is that for picky? Did you see NOS positive Spring ring on parts for sale. Probably gone by now.
Ken, also double check your original cables should have part #s stamped on them proving what they were. Repros have them to but do not have the plastic block. If you send M + H a plastic block they will build your new cable with it.
Interesting Dave, thanks. I'll be pulling the old wiring harness out of the garage attic tomorrow and I'll note the cable part numbers. I called M&H today to order a '71 455 AC car engine harness for the engine and they sold the last one they had in stock yesterday. It'll be four weeks until they have mine made. Are you referring to a plastic block on the battery cables? I can't picture what you mean. (It's been a while since I took this car apart). Do you mean the gutter the cable passes through?
So I take it the plastic block doesn't clip over the wire, rather the wire is slipped through it before the ring is crimped on the end?
That's correct Ken, But you can carefully cut the plastic block, remove the old cable, install the new one, and put it back it the holder, and no one will ever know. JW
Then that is exactly what I'll do as I already have the M&H battery cable without the plastic block. It's amazing when you collect parts over the years how you forget exactly what you have! Glad I didn't order another set of battery cables when I have brand new ones sitting in a box! ou:
Ken if you are anal like me you can send them the block intact after cutting the old cable at each end of the block and they can run the new cable through like stock. I have also cut out the blocks and got it to work like Jim suggested but it is a surprizing amount of work.
Rich, it is my guess they had no interest in repairing your cable but would modify one of theirs. I had them make me a new negative side post cable that was only avaialble in late 71. They had never made this cable before but I gave them the part number and they had the blueprint and made it no problem. They even put correct part number on it. The 72 and 71 and maybe up to 74 used the same part number positive cable they do have these available but witout the plastic block like I mentioned. Somewhere along the way Gm when making the positve cables changed to a black jacket with red end where assembly line positvie cables at least in 71-72 were all red. M +H told me blue print says black cable so you have to make sure you tell them you want all red. I actually have an all red original cable and an NOS all black with red end positive cable and they both have the same part number so they did both exist from GM. M + H also makes the negative 72 cable with the short ground lead that attaches to the fender. Tim has a very good thread on here about these cables. He was the one to get them to make them. He has pictures of them as well. I will see if I can find link for Tims thread.
OK Rich, here is the link with pictures and part #s http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=100002&highlight=72+battery+cables
Well that stinks. I was going to ask the very same question, if they could put a new end on my original cable. Does anyone just sell the Spring ring ends? DL
