Where to get extended ground strap?

[David in San Antonio]

Working through intermittent lights / horn. Where can I get an extended ground strap to connect battery to the frame and to a transmission bolt? Discussions here suggest it might be one piece or an additional one for the frame to the transmission. I’ve searched the suppliers but maybe I’m using the wrong term.

[Hitman]

Make one, it just has to be a wire that connects two points. You're only enhancing an existing ground, giving a better/cleaner path. A wire, with two bolt eyelet connectors on each end. Mine goes frame to a transmission bolt. In other old cars I go frame to starter bolt.

People will likely chime in it has to be so big to carry so much current, but its only a ground. Go look at the ground wire on your house, it's not that big.

[Jim Brierley]

Hitman is right, and your new ground won't be handling starter amperage, only smaller amps, so a #10 or 12 would work.

[jak]

i've always used the braided cable to go from the battery to the frame. Then under the same bolt I use a disconnect switch cable and go from the frame to one of the transmission tower bolts.

https://www.brattons.com/ELECTRICAL-...uctinfo/20180/


it has always worked well for me.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by jak

i've always used the braided cable to go from the battery to the frame. Then under the same bolt I use a disconnect switch cable and go from the frame to one of the transmission tower bolts.

https://www.brattons.com/ELECTRICAL-...uctinfo/20180/


it has always worked well for me.

Do you use a disconnect switch? It should be between the battery and ground.

[Mike1291]

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Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

your new ground won't be handling starter amperage, only smaller amps, so a #10 or 12 would work.

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. One of the reasons to add an extra ground to the transmission is to provide a better ground path for the starter. My starter spins about twice as fast now with an extra ground. I'd recommend the cable that jak recommended.

[Ayers1]

I measured from the bolt of the ground strap to whatever point I decided to go (I believe it was transmission housing) and went to a local auto parts store. I asked for a starter cable with a loop on each end in the length I wanted. A 12 volt starter cable is definitely plenty heavy for an extra ground cable.

[David in San Antonio]

Thanks for the suggestions!
At the same time I’m going to add a disconnect switch. Starting another thread.

[JayJay]

If you do a web search for "custom battery cables" you will find several suppliers. And it used to be that a good auto parts store would make up one for you to your specs, not so much now in the age of "uh, what kinda car is dat for?" parts counter workers.

[BButturff]

I purchased the Deka p/n 01051 braided 4-hole ground strap from Blain's Farm and Fleet. If you don't have a Blain's near you they will ship it. You can check it out here:

https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...W_7BAzhk&gQT=1

[shiver]

I fabbed my own ground cable

[German guy]

I'm with Hitman on this one. My presumptuous mechanic added a 10 gauge ground wire from the battery to the transmission in addition to the existing braided one to the frame. I did not notice the new wire when I collected the car at the garage but immediately noticed an improvement in starter speed and quick start. I only noticed the additional wire once I got home. The A loves lots of ground.

[shiver]

When the splash pans are removed the ground path is through the driveline clamshell and front motor mount, both of which are sketchy for continuity. I run the large strap in case due to starter amperage potentially using the strap as a path. A clear paths for continuity ( the “loop” from positive to negative is critical for component life as well.

[jak]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Do you use a disconnect switch? It should be between the battery and ground.

no i just use that cable because it is a good heavy wire with an eye at each end for the bolt to attach.

[nkaminar]

I am with Jak and the others who recommend a heavy ground strap. Has to carry starter current.

[rfitzpatrick]

Is it fact? I need an extra engine ground with Float-A-Motor engine mounts?
TKS

[Keith True]

Stock mounts have no more ground path than floaters.There is NO metal to metal contact between the frame and mount with either one.Now if the stock mounts are sagging,or the rubbers have worn through,you might get some contact,but it's not supposed to be there.

[katy]

Originally Posted by rfitzpatrick

Is it fact? I need an extra engine ground with Float-A-Motor engine mounts?
TKS

Might not be needed, but can't hurt anything by having one.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by jak

no i just use that cable because it is a good heavy wire with an eye at each end for the bolt to attach.

Not what I asked. Do you have a disconnected between the Battery and Ground? You said you use a braided cable to ground.

[Davew]

I went to the local NAPA store and they made me one.. any size I wanted