I remember back in the 50's a lot of batteries mounted into a box cut in the firewall. Anybody know of any problems other than the obvious rotting out the firewall with this setup. I know it was factory on at least 37's. I love the look and it would solve a ton of problems on my pickup. I could epoxy coat the box and run an isolator pad under it. Any pic's gentlemen?
Koz, Also look at your p***enger side inner fender as a potential solution. A friend of mine has his battery in a recessed box that does not interfere with the tire. It solved his problem and he felt better about potentially having acid damage to his inner fender, rather than his firewall. Good Luck, George
Any room to recess it in the floor board behind the seat ala Corvette or as many German cars do, under the back seat? There is a series of batteries that has a vent tube to run out under the car for those applications. On my 48 this time around I'm considering building a storage box at the front of the bed to house the battery in one compartment and have room for tools and supplies in the other side.
My pickup is a lot like Mooneys or Rudy's with a severly swept frame and a mild channel/4"chop. I have very little road clearance underneath. I know I shouldn't be posting this here but the reason for the battery up front as opposed to beside the tank in the rear is a combination of easy access and the fact that I may add stacks at some point,(skinney chrome ones, typical 1960), not the fat trucker ones. I'd like to keep the battery away from the heat if I can. I appreciate GeoKing's suggestion, but alas, no fenders! As long as it's only a rot problem, I can deal with that. I was hoping with the hood sides off, I wouldn't be toasting the battery or something else I didn't think of. I havn't posted a build thread to avoid abuse, but it's actually a pretty cool truck much like my Dad's shop truck from the late 50's.
In my 51 F1 I have it mounted inside the right front wheel well at the same level as the running board. I had to put it into a battery box but other than that, it work fine there.
Daytona F1- I'm honored to be your first post! I don't have that option. As mentioned above the truck is sort of a Rudy. No fenders and very low. I'm really putting it up there as a bit of nostalgia, not necessity. If nobody has had any horrible disasters, in it goes.
Modern batteries don't cause the problem of seeping acid. Run it in the firewall. Under the floor ****s because it's hard to get to, just like underfloor masters are never checked for potential problems. You aren't building a streerod anyways My first old rod from 1970 was built in the 50s with batt mounted right where the tri 5 chevys were...firewall right side upper.
I put mine up under the dash on a tray, I have a cutoff switch nearby. I plan to make a cover soon (firewall). I used a battery for a Honda car, it is only 6" wide, cranks over great for my 305 c.i..
Damn Wicked 50! That's one I havn't seen before. I'm not sure if my sweetie would appreciate that. I've just got her accustomed to driving 500 miles in a homemade car. I've decided to do it just like they used to. You guys answered my question, and I feel confident I'm on the right track. At least when I go to those runs in the " 'hood the locals won't have to break a sweat or strain their back to steal the battery. ( Only kidding!).
Acid Battery's ????Buy a OPTIMA non acid baterry from Speedway ,,put it under the p***enger side floor ,,AND FORGET ABOUT IT !! it'll last 5 times longer than the best acid piece a junk you can buy ,,and ,,it don't leak nuthin'
I stuffed mine in what used to be the gas tank of my Model A. Kind of like what "wicked50coupe" did. If I had planned it out. I could have used more of the tank and had it inclosed. Instead I cut up a small ammo can and mounted it as the battery box. Used a small Odyssey brand battery.
My 36 has had the cowl cut for a battery since the late 50's early 60's... never a problem some thing it is ugly but it works for me
If you are afraid of the acid and so forth, perhaps you could fibergl*** the area around the battery. As far as I know it won't eat though it. Looking ahead I'm considering where to stuff mine in my model a. The under the cowl thing might be the best option in an open car. I don't think I'd want one in an enclosed car, even though some cars come that way. My father's 03 Buick had one under the rear seat. Good Luck!
My '38 Ford pickup has the battery in the stock location, recessed into the firewall on the p***enger side. The closer your battery is to the starter, the shorter the battery cables will need to be. Shorter cables mean less resistance in the circuit and more power to your starter.
The battery in my 35 Tudor has been in the cowl for a long time. It looks like it might have been a kit as it is all flanged and shaped to fit a cut out and has a heavy rod type of hold-in so it won't fly out. Looks very much like an after market accessory. The car was loaded with 40's accessories and additions when I got it, so I'm guessing it might have been in there since the 40's. And it wasn't rusted out, just some surface rust and a few pinholes.
I really had NO other choice. Besides, I can't really get my wife to ride in the car anyway. Something about the wind and exhaust fumes blowing in her face or something.
I have my battery mounted in the firewall of my 55 chevy truck. Here is a rough picture of it. The box is sealed, welded and reinforced uder the dash. There is a cover on the engine side that hides the battery.
I have one done like wicked 50. Works great and have lots of room. Newer batterys arent like the old ones, a AGM would be better tho.
I'm kinda' copying the '37 style, halfway into the firewall, with an angle hold down. Looks very vintage.
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