Authentic Reproduction Corvette Battery Cable Sets 1953-1982
Mid America Motorworks battery cables provide the finishing touch for any original or restored Vintage Corvette. These reproduction battery cables were reproduced from original GM blueprint specifications. They pass all judging standards.
The spring and bolt-type battery cables are die-cast just as they were originally made, to give the correct appearance and durability.
Corvette Reproduction battery cables have become a controversial issue when it comes to quality and authenticity. Our battery cables are reproduced with an eye toward quality and judging standards. In order to help you in the selection of authentic reproduction battery cables, the following list of guidelines are used in cable construction. The technology employed in the production of battery cables may not be readily apparent when you first look at cables.Our Authentic Reproduction Corvette Battery Cables address the following issues.
Spring Steel Inserts
To comply with original factory specification, all of our spring ring battery cables employ a quality spring steel inset molded directly within the lead terminal. The purpose of the inset is to maintain the shape of the battery post opening and closing of the lead terminal. This insert is molded into the lead terminal head. In some cases, such as in the original “Spring Ring™” design, it is an integral part of the opening and closing operation and is quite visible. Most inexpensive battery cables and cheap aftermarket replacements do not employ this spring steel insert.
Lead Composition
The chemical composition of the lead is critical to the production and behavior of the lead terminal. Original factory specifications call for a very specific mix of elements in the lead terminal. This mix can affect the strength, brittleness and appearance of the finished product. However, all lead oxidizes and will turn dark over time. Dielectric lubricants are recommended for installation.
Wire Gauge
Many production battery cables were produced using 6 gauge wire. During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the demands on electrical system were not significant enough to warrant larger gauge wire. However, air conditioning, power seats and windows, high compression motors, etc. placed greater demands on the electrical system and the battery itself. Original factory equipment was enhanced by heavy-duty charging systems options. These systems employed 4 gauge and 2 gauge battery cables in production automobiles. In today’s world, it is foolish to consider using a 6 gauge cable when a factory heavy-duty 4 gauge cable was available as an original equipment option. Beware of “heavy wall” cable that is nothing more than extra PVC insulation over a 6 or even 8 gauge cable made to look like a 4 gauge cable.
Wire Composition
While the wire gauge is important, the actual copper wire characteristics are also important. The cooper wire within the cable is made up of a specific number of individual strands which must be the correct gauge. These strands bundled together determine the current carrying capability of the cable. This is another one of those items that can’t be seen on the outside but plays a critical part in the quality of the cable.
Wire Coatings
Most production battery cables were constructed with PVC coating capable of temperature ranges from -40 degrees F to 176 degrees F. this is acceptable for most applications. Unfortunately, there are different grades of PVC coatings that do not provide this range of protection. The difference is not detectable to the untrained eye. Wire coatings are amiable that provide protection from -60 degrees F to 275 degrees F that are only marginally more expensive to produce. These materials are being used today, and in some cases, were used in the 1970’s. All of our battery cables comply with, or exceed the original factory specifications for wire coverings.
Mold Quality
Simple things like absence of metal flashing, even mold parting lines, lettering, etc. all contribute to the quality of the finished product. The ascetic appearance of the product does not affect its functionality. However, this is not a reason to compromise appearance for the sake of reducing the initial tooling costs of the product.There are many more technical issues to be considered in the construction of battery cables which are beyond this basic discussion. The main point to consider is that compromises made in the product design and raw materials do in fact compromise the quality of the final product. Therefore, when you buy a cheap cable, you get cheap cable!
All of our Corvette Battery Cables are manufactured as originally designed and meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications:
Correct Spring Ring molded head with spring steel insert
Original part number markings when applicable
All cables are produced in exact cable gauge and color
Cable ends molded in correct color (red or black)
Correct grommets