corvette-battery-cables
1968-1982 Corvette Positive Battery Cables are all routed the same way. The cable leaves the starter, makes way thru the driveshaft tunnel, routes under the battery box floor pan and ends at the battery.
The primary reason Corvette owners replace the positive battery cable is because of ”constant removal and hook-up” of the cable from the battery. The head of the bolt which is integrated into the cable grommet eventually wears out and the threads are often stripped or worn. Battery cables can also corrode internally due to road contaminants, preventing full power to the starter or improper charging.
Well believe it or not running the positive battery cable in a 1968-1982 C3 Corvette can be easy if you have a little patience, and though not required… a lift! The battery cable can still be removed and installed with the Corvette on jack stands; however getting your hands up into the driveshaft tunnel for removal of the clamps will be a little trickier. The main thing is you can’t get the leverage to do the job as you can with a lift.
Zip Corvette offers positive battery cables for 1970-1982 Corvettes and positive/negative battery cable packages for all 1968-1982 Corvettes. These cables will come with the “jumper wire”, floor pan grommet, and correct spade lug for attaching to the starter. All battery cables are GM reproductions, cut to correct length and ready to install.
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Greg who owns a 1987 Corvette:
How do I remove the battery from my 1987 Corvette?
Answer: It is not as easy as it should be. You have to start by removing the inner fender panel behind the front tire. Once you have removed this, open your driver side door and on the lower rocker panel you will see some very small torx screws; they are silver. You need to remove the first two closest to the front. Once these are removed, on the very bottom of the rocker molding almost directly under the front door jamb will be a 7mm bolt head. You need to remove this bolt and then you will be able to lower the front half of your Corvette’s rocker molding. Once you have done this, you will see two 10mm bolt heads. One is on the top of the battery side cover and one on the bottom. Remove both of them and then you will be able to remove the battery side cover. Once you have done this, you can disconnect your Corvette’s battery cables (negative cable first). There is a bolt and retainer that holds the battery to the Corvette’s battery tray, you will need a 13mm socket and an extension to get it out. Once the retainer is off, you can remove your battery. This is also a good time to check your wiring that routes around the backside of the battery; these are all hot fuseable links. Just make sure they are in good shape with no visual damage. If there is noticeable damage, now is the time to fix them. Once everything looks good, you can install the new battery and just reverse the removal procedures.
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Today’s Zip Corvette Technical Question is one that every first time 68-82 Corvette owner has certainly asked:
How do I replace the battery?
Answer: Batteries in the C3 generation are difficult to get to and even more difficult to jump start. 1968 -1982 Corvette batteries are stored in the rear storage area behind the driver’s seat. First, make sure the driver’s seat is moved all the way forward. Remove the battery by loosening a single fastener to remove the hold down bracket, slide the battery slightly rearward (there is an additional fixed clip in the front) and then lift straight up while straddling the driver’s seat. Once the new battery is installed, make sure the battery door seal is in good condition. This door seal prevents any gases (original batteries had removable caps and drain hoses on 68-75 models) from leaking into the interior compartment and also tightens the door when closed to eliminate rattles. Zip’s battery door seal is a 1-piece die cut seal that is manufactured to the correct shape to fit the storage door surround properly, not a replacement roll of straight material. Just glue the battery door seal in place with standard weatherstrip adhesive.
Do you have a Corvette technical question that you need answered?
Click here to submit your question.