battery terminal clamps

[fistfullofV5's]

Hi, my Firenza has the old type of battery clamps which fit like a cap and are held in place by a self tapper into the battery posts. I'm thinking of changing these for a more conventional clamp to avoid having to drill holes in the top of the battery posts for the fixing screws and to have a firmer and likely more reliable connection. If anyone else has done this, did you change the clamp part only or did you change the whole cable assembly ?
Regards,Dave.

[chrisdunham]

Hi Dave

I changed mine to the ring clamp style, you can change just the clamp head, but I ended up renewing the earth cable and also the positive cable going down to the starter solenoid, got all the bits from Halfords one Sunday afternoon and used trade card, think it was less than £12 for the lot!

One thing I did notice was the increased cranking speed afterwards, I am sure the old terminal caps or possibly the earth strap were arcing out causing a voltage loss. Never had an issue since!

[fistfullofV5's]

Hi Chris, I've had the same thoughts about the caps not giving a good enough connection and you've helped me decide to replace the cables which is probably wise given that they're 40 odd years old. Cheers.
Regards, Dave

[hbpeter]

Clamp type much better, change cables as well, not expensive and makes a difference.

Peter