Ok, got them off and am taking them tomorrow to buy replacements.

Sorrry, didn't mean to sound so negative about the auto supply stores - I guess they have their place and purpose.

Found what I wanted at Napa's - but not off the shelf.

Since I brought in the old cables, we were able to match up with a thicker gauge with a better match they had in the back.

Put them on, and am guessing the rubber cap at the end by the starter is supposed to cover the connection?

Well, started right up. Hope the problem is solved (fingers crossed)

It was a cheap fix, no more than $40 for both cables.

Cooljjay and others, can't thank you enough for your posts.

Awesome! Those cables are usually in horrible shape by now, plus a lot of the threads in the cable break from the terminal clamp.....and you are right....the rubber cap goes over the lug/nut on the starter....

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Wanna keep those terminals nice and corrosion free - what does everyone suggest to put on them?

I have some NAPA Sil-Glyde Silicone Lubricating Compound:

SPECIAL PROPERTIES: High Film Strength. Stays Put. Water Repellent. Won't Run or Melt. Effective from -20° to +600°. Prevents Freezing. Harmless to Rubber.
APPLICATIONS: Brake pads, calipers, rubber boots, fan belts, V-Belts, weather stripping, trunk seals and bumpers, speedometer cables, window channels, hood stops and pads, and rubber gaskets.
This is a NAPA private branding of American Grease Stick Company (AGS) Sil-Glyde SG-8.

But it doesn't say it can be used for the battery terminals.

My theory is, it doesn't matter what type of grease you put on them.....just don't coat the insides of the clamp or the post its self....just cover the entire thing with grease....

I have done this on my ground terminals, after cleaning them and tightening down the bolt....I grab a finger of grease and apply it to the top of the nut and cover it....

You can go buy a 99¢ package, usually by the registers and its made especially for the terminals....

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Sounds good. Will do.