"Only catching the first two threads". Either some of the threads are stripped out of the battery, or the cable end isn't seating fully against the battery, or the flange of the bolt isn't under the top side of the rubber shield.

 

Yes, fitment problem. No, this is the only side terminal battery in my fleet of five vehicles.
One would think a longer bolt in OE cable would have been designed.

 

My old GM pickup with side posts had a short bolt,I used a longer bolt and a nut to make it adjustable,also gives it a nice bite for jumper cables with about an inch of bolt sticking out.. Just spun the nut on first then screwed in the bolt and tightened down the nut against the cable.

 

Y2K, this would be nice, but haven't figured out how to remove bolt and the bolt is under the rubber shield. Battery threads are good.
Anyways, today, she did good.
Why did GM put four nubs on the cable surface? I would think the contact surface would be flat, but no, there's four nipples sticking out.
Yes, I know, the nipples 'dig' unto the battery terminal.

 

I don't remember how I got the bolt out but I had to remove it so it can be done.

 

You have to pull/wiggle the bolt out, use a pliers if you need to. It's bigger around than what you can see, buried underneath the rubber shield. And yes, the 4 nibs are there to dig into the battery for better connection.

 

Okay, will try this later. Rita has worked for two days straight. I also smeared on some white grease onto the battery terminal and cable terminal.

 

Worked today.

 

Worked today and I did remove OE bolt and terminal cover, as suggested, Thank you, and installed a flat washer, nut and bolt and secured cable to battery.
Good confidence factor and will need to drive her increasing the confidence.

 

Good deal,I love it when a plan comes together.