Battery Hold bolts

[Jimmy J.]

How do you install the battery in a 1959 and keep the battery hold down bolts from falling out?

[Don H.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

I install the battery first, then the "J" bolts, then top cover. It can be a challenge to get the cover on and keep the bolts from coming loose. I haven't done it for a while but don't remember it being that tough to do. You could use tape on the j part of the bolt if needed. Good luck

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

Yes...Need 4 hands.

The J bolts keep unhooking when you try to get the cover on. A Real Pain.

I tightly wrap some very thin Tie-Wire, spiralled around the threads of the J bolts, then thread it through the cover holes, then cover on, then put the washers & nuts over the wire down to the J bolts, remove wire while holding J bolt, thread the nuts.

Rich

[Joseph L.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

Use a rubber band around the bolts and across the battery.

[Leif A.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

Hold the "J" bolts to the side of the battery with pieces of duct tape. Drop the top surround on the bolts and tighten. Remove the duct tape.

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

The problem with these is getting the bolt through the cover double wall at the side. Not sure how tape would help Leif.

Rich

[Keith R.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

I tied a string to the top of the bolts and threaded them through the cover holes and tied them off at different engine compartment points. I also taped the bolt to the side of the battery. IIRC, you can tape it low on the inboard side then remove it from under the car. In any case, it's a real PITA.

[David S.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

I use what electricians call duct seal. Its very stiff.
Force it around the bolts at the battery box.
This will stand the bolt straight up.
When done remove it from the bolt on engine side.
Leave it on the fender side no body will se it
Dave

[Richard M.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

For those curious, this is the sheild and views of the holes for the J bolts. The side that faces the engine has a long vertical.

[Jimmy J.]

Re: Battery Hold bolts

Thanks to everyone. I think with all this information it will not be a problem. Jimmy