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Classic/Antique Car Repair/56 Tbird Battery orientation

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Expert: - 4/22/2008


Question
I had assumed that the (+) pole of the battery faced the rear of the car, but
the front cable is too big for the post. As this has never happened before (35
years!), I'm doubting the orientation.  (Shouldn't the posts be the same size?)  
The replacement battery is a reproduction of the original. I can't find a
picture in
any of my restoration books. How embarressing this is!  

Answer
56 was the first year for the 12 volt battery and electrical system in the T Bird. All batteries 6 and 12 volt the positive terminal is larger in diameter than the negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected in that car to the starter solenoid and the negative terminal is connected to ground. Soooo you have to drop the battery is so that the cables will reach and I forget if that is front wards or back wards.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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