well the cable running to the positive side looks like it has been wrapped with electrical tape. when i picked it up blue corrosion stated coming through the tape...i unwrapped it a little bit and the wire inside is completely caked with corrosion....could be worse i guess...thanks for your help cincyTT. i'll just have to drive around my other car until i get a chance to take everything out and clean it good. but for now....sleep time! work is at 5am sharp!