So... While we're here. Anybody have an educated guess as to the gauge of wire used in the original cables?

The common choices here in the US are 4-gauge, and 2-Ga. You can get others, but those two are the most common.

2 hours ago, Captain Obvious said:

So... While we're here. Anybody have an educated guess as to the gauge of wire used in the original cables?

The common choices here in the US are 4-gauge, and 2-Ga. You can get others, but those two are the most common.

Do you want me to measure it?

You'd be amazed the stuff I've found on EBay and Craigslist!