Battery Replacement for '63

[Chuck B.]

I am replacing a tar top battery with an AC/Delco group 24 battery in my 1963 convertible, 327 CI, 340 HP, no A/C. It is a Top Flight judged car. It appears the coolant overflow tank needs to be removed to replace the battery. I have received some good recommendations from a couple Corvette Web sites, but some of the advice conflicts. I thought it best to consult this technical discussion group. Any advice/recommendations/instructions, including pics or graphics will be most appreciated.

[Harry S.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Chuck, no need to remove the tank. Remove the straps that hold the tank to the bracket. Remove the aluminum straps that hold the hoses together then move everything out of the way. Disconnect the battery and lift it out. I just did this on my 63 last fall. Protect the fender.

Good luck.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Thank you Harry. Since you recently did this, I have a couple questions. 1) I understand the bottom fitting on the tank, on the '63, is pressed, not welded, making it fragile and susceptible to leaks. Did you need to take special care not to damage it? 2) If the tank is not removed completely, did you need to take any special care in taking out the old battery and replacing the new battery, preventing battery acid spills?

Thanks again.

[Frank D.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

I've replaced my battery twice - Harry's advice is sound. I to take a bit of care with the expansion tank as its aluminum and too much manipulation can cause the fittings to leak. Some lower the battery into place in a plastic grocery bag to contain any spills then cut it off the battery after its installed. I didn't though. I DO take some blue painters tape and tape up the innermost vertical threaded rod for the hold down to the fender and once the battery is installed secure the hold down and remove the tape. When that rod falls over sideways - its no fun to retrieve it.

[Bob W.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Chuck, I will be putting a battery in my 63 shortly and Ac offers several different group 24 batteries, what one did you buy? Also are you using a topper on it?
Bob

[Harry S.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Chuck, if it's an original tank then yes it's just a press fit. If it's a DeWitts tank then as I recall it's welded on the inside.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Bob, i bought the 42 month, ACD 24PG ASM. It was the longest warranty offered by the local AC/Delco dealer. The cost was $117.72 plus tax. I also paid $15 for not turning in a core. I want to save it to maybe rebuild the case later. I am considering a topper, but need to search a source for it.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Thanks Harry.

[Bob W.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Chuck, Paragon, Corvette Central, Zip and most other venders sell the toppers. Harry the tank I have from Dwitts is a press fit.

Bob

[Harry S.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Bob, look on the inside. I looked at mine when I got it many years ago and I recall an interior weld to stop leaks.

[Harry S.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

I just called DeWitts to make sure I wasn't having a brain-fart. They are welded on the inside.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Harry,

I never knew the DeWitts expansion tanks for 1963 were welded inside, I will look closer at the one on my 63 as I always thought it was just a press fit.

The DeWitts product are very nice IMO..

[Bob W.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Harry, I guess you are right, as I never looked inside. I was talking about the outside. So thanks for posting that info.


Bob

[Norm B.]

Re: Battery Replacement for '63

Thank you Harry. Since you recently did this, I have a couple questions. 1) I understand the bottom fitting on the tank, on the '63, is pressed, not welded, making it fragile and susceptible to leaks. Did you need to take special care not to damage it? 2) If the tank is not removed completely, did you need to take any special care in taking out the old battery and replacing the new battery, preventing battery acid spills?

Thanks again.

I used to R&R my battery every year for winter storage until I smartened up and realized I did not have to. It was one job I always dreaded. One piece of advice is to be sure to wear gloves. It's very tight in there with lots of nasty stuff that will scrape the back of your hands.