I'm new to the forum and recently bought a '90 F-150 SuperCab Longbox. It's 4x4 w/ 300 I-6 and 5sp. manual.

In reading / researching on the forums (and from personal experience) the battery cables and connections are a weak point on this vintage truck. I recently had trouble starting the truck - battery was dead. After charging the truck, it started and I took a short joy ride. When I returned home and was backing up into my driveway I killed it (I'm a bit green with manuals and have only had the truck a few weeks and many days of those weeks I'd been on vacation and away, so very little practice). Anyway, after I killed it the truck wouldn't restart. It cranked really slowly a couple times and then not at all. I charged it up again but haven't driven since then.

I bought a new battery for it but don't think I want to put it in until I can replace the cables. Rather than buy a cheap replacement cable I want to make my own from heavier gauge wire. I don't want to use the junk universal terminals. I have read a bit about the "Quick" compression type terminals and am considering those, but I have also seen some called "Fusion" solder-on terminals. These have the flux & solder already in the terminal. I assume you just heat it up and insert the wires.

So here's the question. . . . . .can anyone recommend the compression type terminals or the "Fusion" type terminals? Anyone have experience with either? I would probably be a bit more partial to the solder type as I feel it might offer a better electrical connection, but I don't know if the ones with solder/flux pre-packed are any good. One advantage to the compression type is that I've seen them locally at a parts store.

Any and all feedback welcome!

-C.J.

 

Fusion style is better than the clamp ons. Also, pull the alternator and battery and have them checked. Better to do it now than in the future.