Altima Battery Cables

[TomoHawk]

Higuys,

ox

I was at the JY getting an Altima relay box, and I noticed that the battery cables didn't have the usual thick lead battery post clamps. It had a kind of round strap. Further, the one I saw had a knurled nut and a kind of a black plastic quick-release handle! I thought it was really cool looking and would be nice if you remove your battery every fall (no more stripped clamps and no wrench needed.)

Both of the clamps also had two taps for extra, smaller wires (two on the negative and two on the positive) that you could remove by pressing a release button, which would be nice for those headlamp relays, radiator fans, or what-not.

The negative cable has grounding tab mid-way on the cable, and I think it would be in the right position to attach to the firewall ground screw (on a 280Z, and probably other S30s.) I will need to make measurements of my car and the Altima.

It just happened to be rusty, so I didn't take it off- not for $6 each. I didn't see any plastic covers. Maybe they were lost or came out with the battery.

Is anyone familiar with that kind of cable or clamp, and is there a formal name for the clamp? It wouldn't really be period-correct for an S30, but it would be more compact and serviceable, and cool-looking.

[Captain_Zeros]

Interesting. Got any pictures?

Previous owner installed a set of GM side post battery cables in my car as an extra precaution against welding the battery to the hood, they were convenient enough that I haven't considered changing it.

[pakmule87]

Who cares about period correct

If I ever get mine done, I snatched a relay box from a Mazda B2200. All I really had to do was make some brackets to mount, run a new cable from the starter (single post feeds all the fuses), and crimp on some female spade connectors to the old wires. Heck even gave me a 5th slot that I am gonna use for my FI Harness whenever I get it redone.

So practicality first for those who aren't trying to win at the car shows that matter

[TomoHawk]

For reference, the Altima cables look like this one. Note the type of the clamp, which can be loosened many times without damage. It's not the usual lead clamp, but a metal wrap-around design, that is much smaller. If you get the right ones, ou can also attach several grounds or accessory feeds.

I noticed that other models of Nissan, like the Quest minivan, as well as some other Japanese imports use the same stylr of clamp. I assume the cable would be longer for the minivan? That could be an advantage.

Also, the ones I saw at the JY were oxidized or even corroded. Do you think those could be cleaned up? $6 per cable at the JY might be better than $40 each from the dealer or online sources.

I'm wondering if the clamps are available for different size battery posts? Usually the pos. and neg. posts are different sizes to prevent connecting it backward.

This is a ground cable with the tab for a chassis connection.

Edited June 11, 2013 by TomoHawk

[ZCurves]

Can you recall the year of the Altima? I have 2007 and am going to look. Great Idea though!

[TomoHawk]

I don't remember exactly. I usually just write a note on which row in the JY it was in, but I'm pretty sure it was a post-2000 model.

Also take a look att he battery cables from a recent model of Nissan minivan, such as the Quest. I noticed it had similar stuff, and I assume they would be longer.

I'm just not sure if you can clean the corrosion off the JY ones.

[djwarner]

The kit for $6 allows you to retrofit it to your existing cable. Though you might need some heat shrink tubing.

Part Number: 07767

Alternate Part Number: LCST8882

[Patcon]

$6 not a bad price

C

[TomoHawk]

That looks fine, as long as you have the ability to make 4 Ga. cables. I would probably get the Altima-type cables and just swap the ends or polish the eyelets.

What is available to cover those clamps? Hopefully not the ugly plastic OE covers.

Edited June 16, 2013 by TomoHawk

[280~Master]

My positive battery cable is from a 92 Honda accord LX. It has the same type of end clamp that TomoHawk pictured. Its also a perfect length. My Neg cable is of the same type off of an Isuzu of unknown make and year. If you take your old cables in you might find what your looking fr at the junk yard for cheap.

Those quick clamp ones from auto stores suck. Not very strong and bend and break with ease.