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Old 12-31-2003 | 05:32 PM
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Question Making Battery Cables

Can anyone point me in a direction to find some nice battery cable for a custom installation? I've seen a few pictures on here and some look great. Have heard 0 GA welding cable works well? Have two batteries with selector switch so will need at least two lengths. Will also need the connectors to finish the job. Would like to purchase online if possible??

Thanks for the help!
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Old 12-31-2003 | 05:38 PM
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Mcmaster Carr has a good selection on page 698
http://www.mcmaster.com/
Do a search in Mcmaster Carr for Battery Cable they offer several different types including Marine.
P.S. I buy from them weekly at work.

Rob
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Old 12-31-2003 | 05:41 PM
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I would go to a local Heavy Truck (semi) parts house. They make custom cables all the time for big rigs. They should be able to help you select the proper size wire and connectors. If you do it yourself you will need a special crimper to install the connectors.
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Old 12-31-2003 | 05:43 PM
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I made mine out of car stereo monstercable with the gold and brass terminals ,battery connectors.
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Old 12-31-2003 | 05:54 PM
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NAPA sells the ends you need for the cable. Drop several chunks of solder into the hole and heat with a torch. Slide a chunk of heat shrink tubing on the cable a foot up. Flux the cable and insert into ferrule when it is molten. Hold till cools. Slide shrink tube over connection and heat with a heat gun or hair dryer.

Use good cable, standard types of cable will often turn green so get the marine grade or tinned type.
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Old 12-31-2003 | 06:14 PM
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Thanks everyone! Looks like McMaster-Carr will have all I need. Any idea how to crimp 1/0 gauge connector? Was also wondering what size stud is on the battery? I have two interstate marine batteries. I like the idea of using the heat-shrink tubing to make a nice looking connection.

Thanks for the help.
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Old 12-31-2003 | 06:26 PM
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Dave,
If you size the cable and connector (lug style) you should not need to crimp it. Just fill it up 1/2 way with molten solder and shove it in.
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Old 12-31-2003 | 06:44 PM
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Default hey baddog

is this also your boat name??
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Old 12-31-2003 | 07:04 PM
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DAVE give me a call. (978) 985-0639. I will make some up for you. You want to make them with 0ga wire and the wire HAS to be tin coated for the boats otherwise they will corrode up and you will have horrible power transfer. I just need to know what size ends you need and the exact length and I will make you what ever you want.

Jon
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Old 12-31-2003 | 07:11 PM
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Here is some on the Camaro
Attached Thumbnails Making Battery Cables-camaro-wiring.jpg  
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