Compared to modern cars that are loaded with touchscreen displays, multiple computer modules, and high-tech safety features, classic cars have extremely simple electrical systems. However, even though they're simple, they can still degrade over time and cause serious problems. Our friends over at Mopar Connection magazine found some electrical gremlins and ugly "quick fixes" on their 1968 Road Runner, so they reached out to us for some restoration parts to get the battery and electrical system back to good working order.
Under the hood of this '68 Road Runner, Mopar Connection noticed the relatively new battery was never secured with a tie-down, allowing it to bounce around in the engine bay. So, the first step was to install an original-style OER battery hold-down to secure it. The positive battery cable was also poorly re-terminated and wrapped in electrical tape.
The cables were attached to the inner fender with zip-ties, which looked shoddy. These were snipped off and replaced with the correct OER engine wiring straps.
Before installing a new positive battery cable — this car uses one with a 1-prong neutral safety switch, but others may require a 3-prong switch cable — the old harness was removed from the starter relay.
The wire to the single-prong neutral safety switch, located on the driver's side of the transmission, was also disconnected.
The new positive battery cable, seen here, was in much better condition with nice clean terminals for a strong connection.
The red wire (battery +) and black wire with two-prong forked terminal (solenoid wire) were connected to the factory starter with original hardware. The neutral safety switch and starter relay were also reconnected to the new harness.
Finally, a new B-Body Hemi negative battery cable was installed on the engine ground point and negative battery terminal. The engine block end was painted to match the factory appearance.
With the correct OER wiring straps installed, the new harness tucked neatly against the inner fender.
After attaching both battery cables, a multi-meter was used to confirm that the charging system was within the window of 13.5 to 15.0V. At 14.9V, it's good as new.
Mopar Connection contributor Chris Holley wrote, "With the proper components from Classic Industries installed and routed with care, our Road Runner not only looks correct, but it also performs as it should." We're glad to see these parts being put to good use on such a beautiful '68 Road Runner! Read the full article with more details about the project here.
Classic Industries is the world's leading source for restoration parts for classic Mopar A, B, and E-Body vehicles. If you own a 1960-76 Dodge or Plymouth vehicle, click here to browse our selection of parts and accessories, or click the button below to get a free full-color printed catalog.