changing battery cables

[mike025]

Has anyone changed both the positive and negative battery cables in their C3?
I'm changing the starter (due to the heat soak problem) and adding a heat shield. I also purchased new battery cables. It looks like a "nightmare" to route the new cables. Any advice/help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Red69]

The negative cable is a no brainer, but the positive cable can be a PITA. You need to get the car up, a lift would be great, but 18 inch jack stands will do. Take notes on the routing with notation where the cable goes above and below the body mounting stud. If your cable is pre made, you would be best to start at the starter and work back or you will be under there a few times making adjustments. The trick is to provide just enough to reach the starter and not have slack. You will need to leave a little slack where the cable goes through the neg cable grommet to prevent it from coming out of the body. The slack there takes stress off the grommet. It is really a simple job, it's the working in an akward position that makes it difficult. If you are using jack stands, be careful and have someone around working with you.

 

[mike025]

battery cable

thanks for the help!

 

[72VETTE454]

I STRONGLY recommend getting a remote mount starter solenoid kit, they are only around $30. The reason our vettes don't re-start hot is because of the solenoid, not the starter. I have a '72 big block which creates a lot of heat. Even with the heat shield on the starter, I was running into a no-crank condition every time the engine was hot. I bought my kit from Summitt, they sell a couple different brands. This way, you can mount the solenoid anywhere away from the hot exhaust that you want. I put mine behind the RF wheel well, so it's hidden. But a lot of people like them more accessable. Either way, it was definately a life saver. I have NEVER had a hot-start problem since. Good luck