1958 battery removal/install

[Jeffrey S.]

I am helping the sister of a fellow NCRS member who passed this winter to replace the battery on his 58 FI car. I do not have a service manual. Does it come out through the top, wheel well, bottom? Sorry for asking what seems to be a dumb question but before I start disassembling a whole bunch of things, I thought you all could point me in the right direction. Also, according to the ACDelco website, it uses a size 24 battery. Is that correct?
Thanks all for your help.
Jeff

[John F.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Not sure on fuelies, but I believe all batteries come out thru the top. You may have to tilt battery on its side. Make sure the cap(s) covering the fill holes are tight. Cover the fender with an old towel or piece of blanket and lift it out after disconnecting. It is heavy.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

The battery comes out the top, pretty much turned on its side to gain clearance. It helps to disconnect the fresh air hose at the firewall and pull it aside.

Fuelie or carbureted makes no difference. Either way the job is unpleasant.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

I usually put the battery in 2 or 3 of those plastic disposable shopping bags. Easier to do when installing than removing. It will be a wrestling match to get the current battery in the bags and out. But it can be done. The battery will have to be tilted up at inboard end. As Jim says clear as much of a path as you can and take precautions to prevent acid leak and spill. I recommend multiple fender covers and extra helping hands at the ready as it comes out because it is awkward and heavy and those bags are not engineered for this job. Best of luck.

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Interstate makes a battery that is one inch shorter than the standard battery but surprisingly has more CCA's and it's sealed. I put one in my 59 and it's amazing how much easier it was installing that as opposed to the standard battery.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Thanks all for your suggestions. The first posting listed below this thread suggested 3 batteries that will fit the holder: Delco 24A, NAPA Group 24, and Interstate MT-24. It does appear from a quick look that the windshield washer unit needs to be moved for clearance but until I get started I can't say for sure. Any other suggestions are most welcome.
Jeff

[Edward B.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Disconnect the fresh air duct hose and pull it toward the front of the car to gain some room. Detach the cables from the battery terminals and tuck them out of the way. Use a battery strap to lift the battery out of the car.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Disconnect the fresh air duct hose and pull it toward the front of the car to gain some room. Detach the cables from the battery terminals and tuck them out of the way. Use a battery strap to lift the battery out of the car.

Edward,
That's way too simple! We're talking about a Corvette here not an aircraft carrier. Seriously, thanks for the response. I will use all of your suggestions and report back.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1958 battery removal/install

Update: Thanks to all who responded. I got the battery out fine today. I did remove the windshield washer reservoir and a stamped shield attached to the inner fender to get additional room. Came out easily. Thanks again.
Jeff