RaceSmith

Has anyone removed and replaced this 6 gauge wire that runs from the battery junction box to the alternator. It looks like it runs inside the frame tube from the drivers rear wheel well to the engine compartment. Hints, suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. The problem is the terminal (with eyelet) that connects to the back of the alternator, broke off and all I have left is a frayed wire. The wire running back to the battery junction box is fine. One mechanic told me to splice an old Chevy alternator wire to mine and continue driving. I am just not sure that is the way to go. I would like to correct it and not patch it, but I am not sure what all is involved.

Again any help would be appreciated. :(


[Modified by RaceSmith, 7:26 AM 8/20/2003]

Paul Borowski

Race, I researched this heavily when I had my 1980(which DID NOT have it), but saw several '80s which DID have it when I judged them at NCRS events. I too was baffled for the longest time, then came across a schematic which IS NOT even in the 1980 Corvette GM Service Manual. For some reason, and it may have had to do with static, GM installed this wire(at least on 1980 Corvettes)for cars that came with(again this is 1980 only)cassette OR 8 track radios!!! 1980 Corvettes with standard OR non cassette OR non 8 track radios DID NOT have this wire. This wire also had some kind of "plated" or cadmium cover over it as this wire exits the battery compartment. I DO NOT know if this was the same on '81s & '82s, but it was this way on 1980 Corvettes. :yesnod:

RaceSmith

Paul, thanks for the reply. So if I understand what you are saying, this wiring is not critical to my charging system? I am thinking this is the wire that charges the battery. I am so confused.

:nonod:

Paul Borowski

Now you got me confused too, but if the cars that don't have this wire, how does their batteries charge??? Just because they don't have a cassette or 8 track player in them??? :confused: :confused:

81vette

So.....I'm not the only Mark A. Smith on this forum after all. :cheers:

You might check with Painless wiring, or just make your own. Mine broke off on the 81' at the eyelet as well, but there was enough length built into the wire to put a new one on it. I would think what your mech. said would be ok, as I found various places in the harness where the wires were spliced together at the factory. They used crimps and solder.

Mark A. Smith

RaceSmith

:cheers:

Thanks Mark. I will give it a whirl. And I thought I was the only Mark A. Smith. Any ideas on where to get the terminal eyelet? :)

Mark A. Smith

Ki m Le

You can find these at any local hardware store. Question, where would the eyelet bolt to, on the alternator? ground?

RaceSmith

The eyelet bolts to the back of the alternator. This is where the "hot" wire from the battery connects to the alternator. There is a bolt coming out the back of the alternator that the eyelet slides over and a nut is attached to hold it on.

Thanks for your reply Ki m Le

:seeya

Enad

Check at your better auto parts store and ask for ring terminals. They usually have crimp on terminals this size. If not take a look at some of the smaller battery cable terminals. Because of other electrical toys I ran a second 6 gauge from my alternator to the battery box. Routed it along the frame with the brake lines.

Dane