Just happened to notice, that is actually the positive wire in the photo, not the negative. I'm blaming old age....
Copper Clad Aluminum Wire
Several posts about electrical problems on the C3 reminded me of something that is good to know. Take a look at the photo below. This is the original ground wire between the chassis (near the rear end) and the battery negative terminal on my 1981 C3. Yes, it's Copper Clad Aluminum, or CCA, right from the factory. As we all know, aluminum is a good electrical conductor but not as good as plain old copper. The use of CCA, especially on high current draw circuits, can cause problems with several things. Especially if you are converting to a single wire alternator. The alternator has voltage sensing electronics inside of it. Small changes in the measured voltage at the alternator terminal is how the alternator knows to increase or reduce the output voltage. There can be enough resistance in the CCA to give a false reading to the alternator. I have found this to be a problem in several setups I've worked on.
Again, here is the factory original ground cable from my 81. I don't show it in the picture but the positive cable from the battery was also CCA.
![Hand Bottle cap Wood Finger Automotive tire]()
And here is the all copper wire I replaced it with.
![Gesture Finger Thumb Circle Nail]()
Be careful when buying wire from the auto supply stores, especially if the wire is made in China. Look for the letters CCA in very tiny print somewhere on the label. It is very common to find CCA wire at the auto supply stores. The stuff is crap. Personally, I buy all my wire from an online source that sells only made in USA wire. They also offer automotive wire with GXL insulation. It is thinner, tougher insulation that will withstand temperatures up to around 260°F without melting. Most of the auto supply wire has GPT (PVC) insulation that melts at around 175° and is nowhere near as tough.
Again, here is the factory original ground cable from my 81. I don't show it in the picture but the positive cable from the battery was also CCA.
And here is the all copper wire I replaced it with.
Be careful when buying wire from the auto supply stores, especially if the wire is made in China. Look for the letters CCA in very tiny print somewhere on the label. It is very common to find CCA wire at the auto supply stores. The stuff is crap. Personally, I buy all my wire from an online source that sells only made in USA wire. They also offer automotive wire with GXL insulation. It is thinner, tougher insulation that will withstand temperatures up to around 260°F without melting. Most of the auto supply wire has GPT (PVC) insulation that melts at around 175° and is nowhere near as tough.
