Relocate battery in ‘35

[AnthonyG]

The battery in my 35 2 dr slant, as I believe in all Early V8’s is a real PIA to get to! When my back was semi OK I was able to get the battery in and out of the car. Now that I’ve had the fourth surgery on my back and it’s virtually impossible to get the battery out of the car. I got a strap designed to pull the battery out and even with my wife trying too help there’s just not enough room for both of us to get in there and grab the strap together to and pull the battery out. It occurs to me that this is probably the RIGHT time to go ahead and move the battery to a location easier to access. I have no trunk in the slant two door. I’m sure I’m not the first guy that had this problem. Please send ideas and locations and how to on relocating the battery. Somewhere in the engine compartment, hopefully.

[TJ]

I have seen the battery moved under the right front fender with a drop down bracket that is bolted to the frame. You might check Speedway to see what they have. the other option is to notch the firewall like was done on the 37 cars. Not sure but I believe someone was reproducing the 37 battery box.

[Robert/Texas]

I'm 89 and have much of the same problem. What I've done is replace the heavy wet cell batteries with Optima batteries located in the same places. They are much lighter and require zero maintenance. Also, they crank the engines faster and last much longer.

[Kurt in NJ]

open both doors and use a pole

[AnthonyG]

[QUOTE=Kurt in NJ;2310074]open both doors and use a pole[
Duh on me!
Thx Kurt!!! What a great idea!

[Seth Swoboda]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

What about the trunk? Requires minimal butchery and some longer cables.

[john in illinois]

Delete. You are probably 6 v.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by john in illinois

Delete. You are probably 6 v.

Good point. An Optima can be put in any position.

[tubman]

I would personally favor the Optima solution. They are easy to handle and offer other advantages. Don't be put off by the price, they usually last 12-13 years.

[pbsdaddy]

If I recall correctly, my 35 3 window carried the battery under the floor boards, just in front of the drivers seat. I would have to guess everything necessary to move it to a similar position is readily available.

[ndnchf]

I put an Optima in my '35 Fordor, stock location. Much easire to remove/replace. I made my own custom hold down bracket.

[AnthonyG]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

What about the trunk? Requires minimal butchery and some longer cables.

Hi Seth,if it was a hump back with a trunk there’s be great but it’s a 2dr sedan flat slant back. No trunk. There’s room behind the back seat but then I’d have to remove back seat to get it in, out or serviced.

[AnthonyG]

Originally Posted by tubman

I would personally favor the Optima solution. They are easy to handle and offer other advantages. Don't be put off by the price, they usually last 12-13 years.

Hi Tubman, currently running an old red top Optima. May be my age & back but mine is pretty dam heavy. Maybe the older ones were? Mine is about 12 yrs old.

[AnthonyG]

I did a dry run w Mom on one side me on the other with the broomstick handle thru the lift strap with both doors open. I might have to push the car outside as the passenger door won’t open wide enough in the garage but I think that method will work. I will look for the lighter no service version lighter version Optima as my ‘40 pickup is about ready too & that battery while under the hood will be a PIA for me w my back as it’s deep & behind the right inner fender well. As I told Tubman my current one is a 12 yr old Optima no service type but seems as heavy as the Diehard Marine I just bought. Maybe the older ones were heavier?

[FlatheadTed]

On my 35 I relocated My optima to the under hood chassis rail , because of the $500 I then replaced it with a stock 230 x190 at $140 but made up a platform , two 2x4 on edge with a ply top ,sort of temporary . you could make this in steel , ratchet strap around the frame , works good .

[Pete]

At one time someone made a kit to bolt to the passenger side upper firewall for the battery.
Only disadvantage was you had to take the battery out to get the right head off.

[slowforty]

If you go the Optima route. Try Amazon as they give a decent discount if you get their credit card.For new customers. I got a 100$ off

[AnthonyG]

Which Optimum battery is significantly lighter. The ones I see are 38lbs to 43lbs?