Size of battery cables 1946 WC Dodge Pickup

[Mark G]

Good morning all I'm working towards getting this truck started,(all original) the starter seems to slow to really get this  thing fired up after reading about 6volt systems from what I've read on different places you should be using the biggest size cable you can get any, input from the group would be a big help I realize this is a 77 yr.old vehicle and the starter is probably shot itwill be out this afternoon to be rebuilt thanks in advance

[Lingle]

If I recall right some here were saying 0 or 1 gauge wires.  My project is using a diesel with 12V starter and batteries fairly far away and I'm using 1/0 cables.  if you are handy, I'd recommend getting the tools and making your own.  www.batterycablesusa.com is a good site I've used exclusively to buy cables and ends.  fast shipping and reasonable price.

[Mark G]

Thanks for answering I do have all the "cable building tools" I need just wanted to see what everyone was using thanks but I will check them out

[Los_Control]

Yes the .00 or .01 is recommended.

My project truck I have .02 for + ground, then a small 12 volt cable for power. This works fine for 2 years starting it up & moving it around.

When I re-wire it I will install correct cables .... going 12 volt so does not matter.

[Mark G]

thanks

[1949 Wraith]

Double 0. check out your local welding supply store, they should carry it in bulk.

[Mark G]

Thanks all the owner bought plenty of 1/O cable and ends for me to complete the cables portion of the job

[Los_Control]

Story time      

I bought my daily driver Chebby for a lower price, the seller claimed it had a short somewhere in the wiring. Always left him with a dead battery.

 

He was so frustrated with it, he parked it in a barn for a couple years.

Problem was a simple fix. Someone mickey moused the battery Cables on it, the main power wire coming off of the + post had a really nice YUGGGE copper end on it.

They did not crimp it properly ... always had a loose connection & never charged properly .... It sure did look pretty though.

I had a dead battery on the way home .... I ripped out the shiny large connector ... I mickey moused the the connection to get home, replaced it later.

5 years later never had another charging issue.

 

Just suggesting, 1/0 cable is not easy to crimp if you do not have correct tools ... I suggest a 3 pound sledge hammer .... or a shop with proper tools to make the connections.

Large cables not crimped properly can cause large headaches.