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Old 11-21-2012, 09:00 AM   #1
Ron Lowe
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Default Battery Terminal advise please

I have noticed after I've tightened one of my battery cables it still isn't tight on the post. I can still move it by hand. Any ideas on maybe using a shim material on the post. The terminal at the end of the cable seems to be in good condition. Thanks Ron
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Old 11-21-2012, 10:25 AM   #2
ford3
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

two choices, remove the clinch bolt and shave the space between the legs on the cable end, that will let the legs to be pulled closer togerthe, or use the shims that can be bought at parts stores that sell batterys, i dont like them, one more place for corrosion to form, there are other things to try but those two are the easiest and quickest, and cheapest
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Old 11-21-2012, 10:33 AM   #3
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Like Ford3 says,, its easy to just pinch the terminal and run a hack saw thru it..
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Old 11-21-2012, 11:40 AM   #4
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

I'm guessing this is on the smaller negative battery post and maybe you have a starter cable NOT from a Model A parts house, so it was intended to fit the larger positive post. I'd buy the correct cable fom one of the Model A parts houses.

If you shim with a strip of copper, brass or lead, then be sure to coat both sides to prevent corrosion.
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Old 11-21-2012, 12:09 PM   #5
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Have you tried using a large socket over the terminal with the clamp on it and gently tapping it down with a hammer? The socket is to get the hammer taps to push the clamp down while not touching the top of the post.
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Old 11-21-2012, 12:21 PM   #6
J Franklin
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

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I once had the battery explode due to a loose connector at the terminal when trying to start my (other make) car, It was real exciting. Don't know how it got loose but taught me a lesson.
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Old 11-21-2012, 12:44 PM   #7
Ron Lowe
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Thanks for the ideas guys. Tom you're right. I purchased both terminal clamps from a local parts store. I'll order the right one after turkey-day.
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Old 11-21-2012, 03:02 PM   #8
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

NO, NO, NO!
Don't EVER hammer on the battery cable!! It will break the seal between the post & the case & acid & fumes will corrode the cable ends!!! It'll look like the crap that grows on 8 month old cottage cheese in the fridge. Mine grew 3 different colors and shapes of stuff!! YUUUUUK! Bill W.
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Old 11-21-2012, 03:13 PM   #9
P.S.
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

I said "tap", not "hammer". BIG difference!

Changing your title to "Assistant gorilla of stuff"...
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Old 11-21-2012, 05:58 PM   #10
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Quote:
Originally Posted by P.S. View Post
I said "tap", not "hammer". BIG difference!

Changing your title to "Assistant gorilla of stuff"...
P.S,
Wasn't referring to you, as I noticed you said "TAP," like a TRUE craftsman!
I mentioned it in case there were "REAL GORILLAS" out there! I'm not a GORILLA, I just "MONKEY AROUND WITH STUFF!" I just barely qualify to be an "ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Claude's the REAL GURU! Bill W.
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Old 11-21-2012, 06:00 PM   #11
Rusty Homestead Fl
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Quote: Mine grew 3 different colors and shapes of stuff!! YUUUUUK!

Bill
The terminal post or the cottage cheese? lol
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Old 11-21-2012, 06:02 PM   #12
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

LOL BIll, things are never dull when your around
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Old 11-21-2012, 06:20 PM   #13
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Quote:
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LOL BIll, things are never dull when your around
Thanks, Dude,
Hope I'm not burnin' folks out with my B.S, if I lost my slight sense of humor, I would surely DIE! Can't afford to die as I have bills & taxes to pay! Bill W. (Another "UNEXPECTED BILL!)
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Old 11-21-2012, 07:44 PM   #14
Gord. B by the bay
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

Loosen off the clamp a bit drill an 1/8 hole between the clamp and the post then thread in a No. 8 x 1/2" wood screw flush , then tighten the clamp and it will be tight, easier to remove next time Use a Canadian Robertson screw,
Have a Great Day Gord, B by the Bay
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Old 11-22-2012, 02:28 PM   #15
Brentwood Bob
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Default Re: Battery Terminal advise please

replace the clamp. Bob
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