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Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

Old May 8, 2015 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
CamaroX84's Avatar
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Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

Between my FAST XFI system, MSD 6AL box, stereo amp, etc., I have several things that I have to hook up directly to my car's battery.

I bought these battery terminal connectors but it looks like a mess, and the bolts have to be tightened too frequently. I've attached a pic.

Does anyone know of a good, clean way to hook up your accessories?

Thanks!

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Old May 8, 2015 | 12:23 PM
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Car: '87 Iroc
Engine: 350 TPI with Holley Terminator X
Transmission: 4L60e
Axle/Gears: Stock/ Factory
You can for to a parts store and get something like the picture in the link. I would remove battery and mount it behind the battery on the back side of the headlights. That way all the wires are hidden. Only one power wire is seen running to the battery.

Link with picture
http://www.vte-europe.com/content/el.../12p_app_4.gif
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Old May 8, 2015 | 12:38 PM
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Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 355, 10.34:1, 249/252 @.050", IK200
Transmission: TH-400, 3500 stall 9.5" converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9", detroit locker, 3.89 gears
Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

I agree.. Use some type of junction box close to the battery. Run one 6, 8, or maybe 10 ga. wire from your battery to your junction, then hook everything to the junction

https://www.google.com/search?q=car+...r+junction+box
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Old May 8, 2015 | 12:40 PM
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From: Howard Lake, MN
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: 355- hopefully a 5.3 this summer
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Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

find a late 80's/early 90's Caprice cop car in a junkyard and get one of the underhood power distribution boxes from it... just follow the battery cables to a red plastic box on the fenderwell with 10mm stud with a self locking 15mm nut inside it and grab that.. should be bolted down with self tapping screws that take an 8mm socket.
i've also seen similar parts in pickups and what not, too..
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Old May 8, 2015 | 12:43 PM
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From: West Kentucky
Car: '87 Iroc
Engine: 350 TPI with Holley Terminator X
Transmission: 4L60e
Axle/Gears: Stock/ Factory
Chevy trucks ~89-99ish box style bodies have one on passenger side fire wall above AC behind plastic cover. It would work also.
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Old May 8, 2015 | 01:23 PM
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Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

Thanks for the replies. A junction box seems like the most logical way to go.
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Old May 8, 2015 | 04:42 PM
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Night rider327's Avatar
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From: Bowdon, GA.
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 355, 10.34:1, 249/252 @.050", IK200
Transmission: TH-400, 3500 stall 9.5" converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9", detroit locker, 3.89 gears
Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

junction boxes/power distribution boxes are great for this type of thing. I have 4 on my camaro.

I have one on my driver side kick panel for interior 12 volt acc. like aftermarket gauges, etc.

I have one 12 volt one on my rad. core support

I have one ran as a ground junction on the firewall as well as a 12 volt junction on the firewall
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Old May 9, 2015 | 02:48 AM
  #8  
Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
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From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

There already is a stock power junction block mounted next to the battery on my car.
I have added two aftermarket fans to it.
It is directly connected to the battery and is there to power items such as another power block/fans or anything with a heavy draw.


Most if not all Junction blocks are very hot at all times and I suggest removing both pos and negative battery cables before touching it.



Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; May 9, 2015 at 07:08 AM.
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Old May 10, 2015 | 06:56 AM
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Engine: L31 GM crate re-cammed , 318
Transmission: T-5 , 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: 3.42 , ?
Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

one method I have used in the past is a buss bar . they are used a lot on marine applications . check E bay , there are several that look nice and clean with covers . most boat/marine supply stores would also carry them . IMHO they work very well . just use a heavy gauge wire to power it . tap in where Ron USMC shows or battery and locate buss bar where you like . good luck ...
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Old May 10, 2015 | 09:21 AM
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From: M.D
Car: 1987 Camaro
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Re: Clean way to hook up electrical items to battery?

Being in the jeep world, camaro world and bike world. I see a bunch of different ideas that are good and some that are bad.

Alot of the jeep guys run ALOT of lights and switches for everything. It creates a mess by the battery. So... alot of people run a water proof secondary fuse box. They are made by a company called " Blue seat systems"

Here is a write up that may help you. http://www.stu-offroad.com/electrica.../fuseblock.htm

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/Fuse_Blocks
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