Anybody know off hand the length of the cable from the battery to the starter?

58"

........May I add., as short as possible
(she did'nt say that)

If you're thinking of buying one of those pre-assembled FLAPS cables, don't. In general, they're of VERY poor quality, with far fewer strands of copper, of larger gauge, and the ends are, at best, poorly crimped to the cable. In old cars like ours, quality positive and ground cables are really important.

The Cap'n

If your making your own may I recommend a welding supply. Great quality cable.