Trying to figure out the negative and positive cable?

OTIS.HARRIS3

MEMBER
1968 CHEVROLET IMPALA
5.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
410,000 MILES

I decided to tune up my car listed above that's been in storage for 10 years get it running. The vehicle has been long remove, so I went and purchase a brand new one.

I can't remember which cables (positive and negative) to connect to their proper battery post.

So, I need assistance with figuring out which is the positive and negative battery cable before I place them on the battery post.

The cables aren't marked with the usual (black/ negative and red/positive indicators).

I hardly know anything about old cars or cars in general for that matter, so, yes, this is pretty sad, but true.

Anyway, one of the cables seems to be connected to what looks like the starter. I'm guessing this is the positive cable? Or not?

I don't want to take an educated guess on this one, I'll rather asked the dumb question and be safe than sorry.

I forgot to take a photo or video of the under carriage, so as to view my situation up close and personal, but I will my next post.

Any and all help will is needed. Thanks community!

3 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,443 POSTS

Positive cable will run down along the frame then over to the top terminal on the starter solenoid. Negative cable will connect in a couple places depending. If it's original it went to a stud that also holds the water pump on. If it's been replaced it will generally be bolted to the engine block or cylinder head or a bracket that is bolted to one of them. The negative cable may also be split with one going to the engine and another bolted to the frame. That was a replacement cable used on the cars that had factory AC.

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Saturday, July 20th, 2024 AT 9:52 AM

OTIS.HARRIS3

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello Steve W. Thank you very much for the mechanical information. I greatly appreciate it. I finally was able to make it over to the vehicle storage building and connect the battery properly.

After a few minutes of trying to get the engine to turn over, it finally did.

It sounded pretty good for not being driven and sitting for close to 10 years. I let the vehicle run for about 10 minutes and then I noticed steam started coming from under the radiator.

I look for a leak and where the steam was shooting out from, but I couldn't identify it.

This had never happened before. Maybe the old coolant is very clogged up or something because it's been sitting for too long, you think?

Do you have any idea what may be causing this? I'm pretty sure I need to change out the coolant, right?

Any additional advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you Sir!

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Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 AT 2:32 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,443 POSTS

Setting 10 years doesn't help any of the vehicle's systems. I would also be sure to disconnect the battery negative if you are not near the car, have seen numerous fires in vintage cars due to the age of the wiring.
I would also recommend going through the repair guides on this site and checking each system one at a time.
For instance, for the cooling system - I would pressure test it, find and repair any leaks, then replace the coolant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Then go over the electrical.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-electrical-system-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Then go through the brakes, engine oil, transmission drivetrain and such.

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Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 AT 3:19 AM