Re: 54 Battery and Solar

Posted by HH56 On 2011/1/3 10:35:09

Sure were. Colored vinyl or plastic insulation as we know it didn't come into widespread use till the early 50's. Before that, most wires were either a plain black rubber with maybe a few color variations or the fabric covered rubber for the woven color tracers if a lot of different wires were needed. As those rubber types aged, they became stiff and cracked easily. Early vinyl insulation had the same problems --only it cracked at a relatively young age. Once that was sorted out, they became better, cheaper and the wire of choice.

The battery terminals are similar to the so called universal type. Those look more like for connecting a battery temporarily to something else. Not usually seen in automotive with the wing nuts. I suppose they are OK in a pinch. I would avoid them and get ones that properly crimp or solder onto the battery cables for your Packard.

The charger is probably not of the highest quality but will work. I think many will agree that most Harbor Freight merchandise is inexpensive knock offs of good stuff and for a limited or few time use duty. Important thing to remember on electric items like that is where are you going to use it. Will the input mains be correct. Sold here, that one will probably be 110v, 60 cycle. Unless something specifically states input is 110-220, might not work in UK or Aruba without a lot of extra.