Electrical: Braided flat ground strap?

[riversidevw]

I recall that flat braided steel (or copper?) battery ground straps were used in six volt Studebakers in the years just after the war. Did the use of these braided straps continue into the mid-fifties and beyond the transition to 12 volts?

Seems like over the years the ground cables have usually been replaced by insulated cables (of various colors and questionable gauge), whatever was found on the shelf at Pep Boys.

I'm thinking of upgrading a number of my battery cables (especially on the six volt '55), might as well do it right!

Thanks.

[StudeRich]

No, the braided ground cables were discontinued with the introduction of 12 Volt NEGATIVE Ground systems, so they were used up to 1955.

[Tom Bredehoft]

Gil, if there is any ambiguity in Rich's answer, your '55 came with 6 volts and a braided metal ground strap.

I know, Rich, you said that, but ......I'd a said up to and including 1955.....

[DEEPNHOCK]

I used to sell those big braided ground straps (universal one's, mind you) well into the seventies..

Amazon sells them to this day...

[garyash]

For 6 volt, try 2/0 cable for good results. You can buy it from Rhode Island Wiring, www.riwire.com. See the Supplies page for cables and terminals. They also have the flat braided cables but only in 1 gauge, no insulation.

[Pat Dilling]

My local 'Real" auto parts store still sells them. I have two on my 53 with 12 volt and modern engine. They connect the block and the frame on mine.

Pat

[wolfie]

My local battery store has them. Steve

[rockne10]

Still available at my local Carquest. Even got an assortment of the very small gauge woven straps, just to add additional body/frame grounds in various places.