My mother's '60 has a very old "removable" battery terminal at the end of the negative cable. It is made of brass and, instead of the traditional nut and bolt clamp, has a hinged "thumb clip" which can be easily undone to disconnect the negative battery terminal. I haven't seen one of these anyplace since (haven't looked for one either), and know that this terminal has been on my car as long as I can remember. I believe it is original, or if it isn't, it was installed shortly after the car was purchased new by my parents.
My father could have purchased and installed this accessory himself to expedite disconnecting the battery in an emergency. The reason I don't think so is because he didn't install a similar device on any of our other cars, and I can't think of very many instances where there would be a reason to quickly disconnect the battery on a brand new car. A similar modern equivalent would be the easy disconnect styles that I have seen, which incorporate a red or green plastic knob to turn and release the cable from the battery terminal. Unlike this modern item, the one on my car is part of the battery cable, and not added separately between the battery terminal and the cable connection. It allows the cable to be completey removed from the battery.
If not original, it is an interesting and convenient "add-on" which will likely remain on the car.
Paul W.
You can get the correct style of battery cables from Antique Auto Battery Company. I don't have their address off hand, but believe they still advertise in
Hemmings or Old Cars Weekly.
I bought a set from them for one of my 60's & they look just like an original one I had from a low miles but EXTREMELY rusted 60
Le Baron.
John
----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl" <
karlsmail@charter.net>
To: <
mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 5:42 PM
Subject: RE: IML: Hose Clamps & Battery terminals & Tires
> Thanks
soooo much Paul W.
>
> Karl
>
> 196
0 Imperial Custom 4 Door
>
>
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From:
mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > [
mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of >
randalpark@xxxxxxx > Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:58 PM
> To:
mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > Subject: Re: IML: Hose Clamps & Battery terminals & Tires
>
>
>
> The original hose clamps were wire style through out. The battery > terminals
> should be top terminals, and so far, all of the original tires that I have
> seen for 1960 Imperial were
Goodyears, either Double Eagles, or
Power
> Cushion. The Double Eagles were all white side wall.
>
>
>
> Paul W.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Karl <
karlsmail@charter.net>
> To:
mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > Sent: Tue, 2 May 2006 14:45:36 -0700
> Subject: IML: Hose Clamps & Battery terminals & Tires
>
> Hey all,
>
> I am in the middle of a restoration of my 1960 Imperial. I am trying to
> figure out what style of hose clamps where on the radiator hoses. It had
> the newer style on it when I bought it. The heater core hoses had the > wire
> type on them.
>
>
>
> I also am trying to figure out the correct style of battery terminals and&
nbsp;
> cables.
>
>
>
> One more, what style and brand tire was original? I am guessing there are
> many. I have seen factory pictures with and without white wall.
>
>
>
> Thanks all
>
> Karl
>
> 1960 Imperial Custom 4 Door
>
>
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