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1967 Corvette Battery Connections

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Old 01-20-2019, 09:37 AM
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Jim Fitzgerald
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Default 1967 Corvette Battery Connections

I recently had the battery replaced and it appears the battery was installed with reversed polarity. The black wire (grounded to the engine block) is connected to the positive terminal off the battery. Is this correct? It is the opposite of what I recall the previous battery was connected. The car started but overnight the battery completely died. Related question, if the terminals are disconnected, can the battery be recovered with a standard battery charger?
Old 01-20-2019, 03:55 PM
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Geralds57
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Welcome to the forum! Who installed the battery? It can’t be started with the cables reversed. If it died overnight, it’s has current being drawn from something. Dome light, glovebox light, bad alternator or voltage regulator with a short, etc. You may have left the key in the on position also. It might be able to take a charge but disconnect the cables.

Last edited by Geralds57; 01-20-2019 at 03:57 PM.
Old 01-20-2019, 04:00 PM
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Factoid
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There is no way the car started with the battery leads reversed. Please post a picture of your battery and we can better help you.
Old 01-20-2019, 04:00 PM
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Nowhere Man
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the original ring battery cables each one is a different size plus on the ring end it has embossed + or - on it. . but like said above if it went dead over night you have draw somewhere
Old 01-20-2019, 04:01 PM
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Jim Fitzgerald
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Thank you. Curious. I checked my '67 assembly manual and it shows negative to ground, as apposed to the current installation positive to the engine block (ground?). Will disconnect and try charge.
Old 01-20-2019, 04:23 PM
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65hihp
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Black wire is your Positive, Reddish brown is the Negative.
Old 01-20-2019, 05:38 PM
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Jim Fitzgerald
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Thank You, then it is correctly connected. Searching for what might have discharged it. Have a great day.
Old 01-20-2019, 06:35 PM
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65GGvert
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Check easy first. Glove box light, courtesy lights, brake lights. All will work with key off. Leaving key on will also run the battery down. So eliminate those first.
Old 01-20-2019, 07:20 PM
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Jim Fitzgerald
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Thank You. Will disconnect, attempt to charge battery, reconnect and look for any of the above. Appreciate the quick responses.
Old 01-20-2019, 07:27 PM
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Bluestripe67
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This cable confusion is what led me to put a new red cable for positive and black cable for negative about 40 years ago. Dennis
Old 01-20-2019, 08:38 PM
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Jim Fitzgerald
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Thank You. Good advice. 49 years ownership, '67 fastback (Ermine white/black interior), original transistor ignition (although updated), 327/350, 4-speed, all original including owner's manual, Protect-O (sp?) plate, radio manual, marketing brochure, receipts. Also, original 1967 VA License plates. Lots of fun to drive.
Old 01-20-2019, 11:55 PM
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tuxnharley
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Originally Posted by Bluestripe67
This cable confusion is what led me to put a new red cable for positive and black cable for negative about 40 years ago. Dennis
Yup - same here!
Old 01-21-2019, 07:10 AM
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Frankie the Fink
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Originally Posted by 65hihp
Black wire is your Positive, Reddish brown is the Negative.
Which is why you NEVER, EVER let anyone else connect jumper cables to your Corvette - if you are providing a jump start OR receiving one!!! Do it yourself and pay attention...

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