Posted by Clint Dixon [172.70.100.187] on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 06:43:13 :
I know I have been running battery cables that are too small of a gauge for years now on my trucks. Recently, I came across two NOS Auto-Lite cables. These are not as old as either truck that I have, but they are Auto-Lite none the less and that is the brand that was factory supplied on the early civilian Power-Wagon.
It is hard to determine without any bare wire to measure (not sure exactly how thick the insulation is) but I believe one to be a 4GA and the other to be a 2GA. I have not found any gauge information when searching on-line with the part numbers. I wish they both were 2GA as I am running the stock 6-volt systems with positive ground.
So my first question is - should I connect the thicker 2GA wire from the positive post to the ground, or from the negative post to the starter? I am thinking to the ground, but I wanted the opinions from someone more experienced with automotive electrical systems than I. Both cables are the correct length, so either position is no problem. Also, both terminals are of the same size. They fit loose on the negative post (before tightening) and tight on the positive post (before spreading).
And a final question - they have been coiled up and stored in the boxes for years. Even though the insulation feels somewhat supple, I do not want to crack it when I straighten the wires out. I plan to assure that both cables are at a warm temperature before doing so. Is there anything that anyone could suggest that I should apply to the insulation to soften it a little without a concern about damaging it?
Thanks,
Junior
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