Projects Relocating battering in my 1951 chevy. Where to?

When I bought the car it was just a total mess... I have cleaned up quite a bit on this car and i will continue to do so. One of my main concerns is the battery and wiring. The battery was routed to the trunk and just tossed in the spare tire well. I need to locate it just don't know where in the trunk and with what. What tray or box and hold downs? I will also be using a mustang tank so i have to re brace the floor and cut out a hole for the tank. Any suggestions or pictures of your projects...feel free!!

 

I'd put it under the hood where it belongs...



unless you have a really good reason to put it somewhere else.

 

Well the care was well modified and has no inner fender wells...

 

Try a small vintage suitcase or traincase? Worked for me.

 

I also don't know what size or type of battery to use or where i should purchase one for a good price and warranty.

 

Put in the trunk - keep it low as possible and near or in front of the rear axle. If you can't do both, put it low as possible.​

Who says the battery "belongs under the hood"? It was only put there for ease of manufacturing and maintenance thanks to the bean counters. Under the hood is the worst place for it. The heat kills it quicker and the car is much more nose heavy than with it in the rear.​

 

That is VERY cool!

 

I was thinking under the "package tray" Where the upper trunk floor is behind the seat. I just don't know what box or tray to use. Where to buy a kit? Where would I attach the ground?

 

There are lots of battery mount kits and boxes and stuff at performance stores like summitracing.com

If it's a race car, sure, put it in the trunk. If it's a car you're gonna drive a lot, up front is a good place for it.

I've run the battery in my 55 under the hood for years, never had the battery die early from heat. No need for a shutoff switch to meet NHRA rules. Battery cables are small and short and don't cause problems.

It's up to you...I've had a couple batteries in the trunk, no thanks.

 

I was thinking since its already there..Just mount it correctly back there. Besides I don't have inner fender wells up front and there is no tray up there.

 

how much room under p***enger kick boards? ive seen em there. just prep up a tin battery box and weld it in with floor access panel.room for it is deciding factor, but is is out of the way

 

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Part-Type/Battery-Boxes/?keyword=battery+box&kr=battery+box

Be careful with the battery cable routing, make sure it's well clamped and no sharp edges, etc.

 

The only bad thing is if i get a box then its big and bulky, kind of an eye sore

 

You could get an Optima and make a box to mount it under the package tray with the battery on its side with the posts facing the back of the car. If you can't fab your own box you should be able to have a shop do it.

 

If a battery makes the car too nose heavy you may need some suspension work.

 

i had mine mounted on the p***enger side firewall when i had no inner fenderwells too. i bought a new battery holder from a late 50's early 60;s chevy truck..worked great on the firewall.. at least until i located some fenderwells! its in the original location now

 

Might want to scare up some fenderwells, they're not that hard to come by and add a lot of support to the front end. Mine came with the battery where it was factory, but had a wierd bracket thing bolted on the other side that looks like it too would support a battery.

Which, you could make a support out of 1" L channel easy enough, make a seperate top piece and bolt it in that way, or even use the tray out of some late model GM where they use a plastic piece with a bolt to hold the battery down.

As for the battery, even the cheap ones work a long time, I would get one that's got decent amperage since you're putting it further away from the motor than usual.

 

No matter where you put the battery, you need to run a ground cable to your engine block. You can't depend on the frame to provide a good ground especially to your starter motor because your engine is rubber mounted.

A friend recently cooked his starter solenoid (and almost started an engine compartment fire) from a bad ground.

 

Ok so definately has to be grounded to the motor. I would like to use a battery box or tray in the trunk but would like it to be not so much of an eye sore. Lets see your pics of the battery in the trunk of your car!! Come on fellas. I know alot of guys here have to have it set up that way here.

 

I've thrown out the spare tire and placed my battery in the wheel tray. The wheel was mounted there upright - so it provided sufficient space.
Having put in a new floorboard the trunk looks larger than before without the spare tire and cleaner with the even floor.

I've run an 1" cable from the positive pole to the old + socket under the hood and hooked the ground to the body and frame. The engine is connected to the frame by another ground cable.

Works fine for me - and provides additional security against theft thanks to a kill switch in the trunk.

 

how bout on your hood? You wont need a hood ornament then???


Actualy put it wherever you want. What is best for you? Batteries get mounted all over. Under the floor, under the hood, in the truck, upside down.??? Usually where ever there is room. if you put it in the trunk run the cables up the fram rails opposit of the fuel line.

 

Buy a good AGM battery, like a Braile, and with their compact size, can basically be mounted anywhere and in any position you'd like.

 

Johnny,

Would you mind posting pics of your set up?

 

Where are those batteries sold?

 

Good advise and will prevent "Hot Starts". Use 0-1ga cable for any lengths over 24". Braile batteries can be purchased direct from factory, Summit or......cough cough..(speedway Motors) The 3121 is a good battery and measure approx 7X7X5" and has about 750CCA.

 

Looks good.
I have put them in igloo coolers, mounted in the trunk

 

I will have to look into one of those. I was just hoping to get something local incase I have to take it in for warranty or what not.

 

how about the firewall?

Godspeed
MrC.

 

It wouldnt be a horrible idea I guess. What vehicle what I get that tray and hardware from? Also could I directly bolt it to the firewall?

 

I mount mine under the front finder off of the frame. You will have to make a bracket and a gard.