At a local battery/alternator/generator shop I ask if they had 6v battery cables. They said they can make any length and there is no difference in 6v or 12v cables. I argued a little and gave up. What say ye?
-
-
They don't have Model A experience... -
Avoid them. Run, run, run............................
Paul in CTComment
-
I'd have to argue that there is no such thing as a "12v" or "6v" cable... cables are sized to the load, which varies with the application. What is important, is the gauge of the cable. I believe 2 gauge is the original size used in the A.Comment
-
There is a second issue, aside from the correct AWG size (2 ga.). The positive and negative posts are slightly different diameters, so any battery to starter cable for a POSITIVE GROUND vehicle will need a different battery post clamp than a cable made up for a negative ground vehicle. This also applies to the frame ground strap to battery terminal- different clamp connector sizes depending on ground polarity.
I've seen plenty of wrong-size clamps horsed onto opposite polarity battery posts.din-terminal.pngMechanical engineering 101: If you put an adjustment knob, screw, bolt, or tolerance specs on something, some people will immediately fiddle with it. If you mark it DO NOT TOUCH everyone will mess with it.
Comment
-
I'm moving my electrical cutoff switch under the seat and need longer than normal cables.Comment
-
I had a 6V made at a tractor sales and repair place. They had a roll of the heavier cable and put 2 ends on it which were clamped in place. It
doesn't get hot like the 12 V did when I was cranking a lot.Comment
-
Mickey
Since your positive ground the negative will be the same going to the starter from the minus battery post. Take the positive side and run it to one side of your cut off. ( it's always best to install the cut out on the ground side) Then take the other one and run it to the frame.
How long of a cable do you need for each side of the cut out?
3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
Henry Ford said,
"It's all nuts and bolts"
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Mitch's Auto Service ctrComment
-
I have my 6v battery cables made by any of several vendors on EBay. I can specify cable color, lug types and sizes, and cable lengths. I have electrical disconnects on my Model As and run positive to disconnect, then to frame and then to bell housing using two cables cut to lengths and using lugs I specify. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ables&_sacat=0Comment
-
Mitch I'll install the switch and wait until I bring it up to do the cable. Do you know if the original battery hold down will fit the Interstate battery?Originally posted by Mitch View PostComment
-
Or if you have a undersized cable just run a second one. I did this on a Chrysler and it solved several electrical problems.Comment
-
Okay Mick
If need be i have the ability to make up the correct cables3~ Tudor's & 1~ Coupe
Henry Ford said,
"It's all nuts and bolts"
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Mitch's Auto Service ctrComment
-
Thanks Mitch I found 3 of the older 6v cables in my stuff. The UPS guy just dropped off the springs.Comment
-
In Mn and WI we have Mills Fleet Farm, they sell battery cables in many different lengths and gauges. If you go to the truck and tractor area you will find some very large cables in the 1/0 and 2/0 wire size, in many lengths. Yes they are much larger than original, larger gauge cables have less voltage drop and perform better. They are copper wire and very good priced. For those who were wondering, the larger gauge wire will carry more amps. If all things are equal on the load side (meaning wattage) a 6 volt system will have twice as many amps used as a 12 volt system. The formula is simple Watts= Amps x Volts. Original sized cables (I think it was #2 copper) work just fine, however 1/0 cables will carry more amps and heat up less (meaning less resistance). So if you are not looking for high points show cars, I like as large of cable as I can get to fit. If you are adding much of any length to the cable run, larger gauge cable is also the way to go, again less resistance / foot = less heat and loss, which help the start perform better.Comment
-
I decided to replace my battery and battery cables after an issue I had in June while attending the MAFCA National Tour in North Conway, NH. As it turns out, the problem was multi faceted. I had a starter switch problem (one of the worst parts on the Model A), an ignition switch problem (replaced popout) and what I think was a bad ground cable from the battery.
Here are a couple of pictures...08-21-2021, 10:09 AM -
Thought this could be a great site when adding a cut-off switch01-30-2021, 08:57 AM -
Ok, the usual choices for a Model A battery, are either a 6v, or a 12v.
What if i want both? 6v for the main system, and a 12v for any auxiliary equipment.
What i believe is a 6v alternator will charge a 12v battery, but not at the same time as it is charging the 6v system. (voltage regulation conflict, right?)
So, is it possible to route a switch in the system...06-29-2018, 09:30 PM -
If I have six good batteries on a shelf, can I put one battery maintainer on them by running jumpers across all of the positive and all of the negative posts to the maintainer?02-11-2019, 10:59 AM -
I bought a new show quality battery cable in April, and I haven't driven the car more than 10 miles since then. I bought a new battery at the same time. Started the about a month ago and backed it out of the garage and made a short tour of our neighborhood.
Tonight, I went to start it and there was nothing. No lights, horn or starter. I thought that the battery was dead. If I'm not careful,...08-05-2020, 12:17 AM -
What is the current suggestions for 6 volt replacement battery? Will vendor sold battery hold-down work? It's been years since I have investigated this subject.05-13-2019, 10:23 AM -
I am planning on installing a electrical shutoff switch. I presently have some SAE #2 cable available but reading Brattons catalog they advertise a #1 Battery Cable. If I am correct in that the #1 is larger then my #2, is it necessary? This is for a 6 Volt System with Generator....09-22-2017, 12:48 PM -
The generator just quit working on our '28 Coupe so I bought one from a friend that had installed a 6 volt generator on his. Now after about 3 weeks The battery goes dead overnight When the car is running the gauge shows the generator to be charging. I will have to figure out if something (the cutout maybe?) is causing a draw on the battery or if the battery is just no good. Any suggestions?12-26-2019, 08:12 PM -
-
If you had to - if you disconnect the starter to battery cable on a 6v positive ground A, can you direct jumper a 12v Battery (positive to engine, negative to starter. to the starter) to start an A?
I realize this is not optimum , 12v on a 6v starter.
How bad does a battery have to be before it will not cause sufficient spark to start an A if hand cranking, or using the above method...03-10-2019, 12:37 PM
Comment