R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

[Gerard F.]

in my 67:



It's a maintenance free one. Only took my two weekends, because I had to deal with this:

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5268/battdamagedtraysmallen5.jpg

and this:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4025/batterymesssmallop5.jpg

Only kidding on the battery tray, that was my original replaced with a repro 4 years ago. But the repro was on its way to looking like the original with only 4 years on a lead acid battery.

Once you get into these things, you have to do things, like this:

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1801/shielddtraypaintsmallpz8.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7284/batterytraysmallzn7.jpg

Also repainted the frame below the battery, luckily it was only light corrosion.

Even reused my original hold down bolt (with a little black phosphate on it):

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7853/batteryholdownboltsmallws7.jpg

But in the end, I think it worked out well:



The Vintage Air hoses sure didn't help getting this battery in place. As you can see, I've got a lot more things on my car to address.

But just one step at a time, and having lot's of fun!

[Craig O.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

I have that same job to do sometime this fall, thanks for sharing

[Joe C.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

in my 67:



It's a maintenance free one. Only took my two weekends, because I had to deal with this:

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5268/battdamagedtraysmallen5.jpg

and this:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4025/batterymesssmallop5.jpg

Only kidding on the battery tray, that was my original replaced with a repro 4 years ago. But the repro was on its way to looking like the original with only 4 years on a lead acid battery.

Once you get into these things, you have to do things, like this:

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1801/shielddtraypaintsmallpz8.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7284/batterytraysmallzn7.jpg

Also repainted the frame below the battery, luckily it was only light corrosion.

Even reused my original hold down bolt (with a little black phosphate on it):

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7853/batteryholdownboltsmallws7.jpg

But in the end, I think it worked out well:



The Vintage Air hoses sure didn't help getting this battery in place. As you can see, I've got a lot more things on my car to address.

But just one step at a time, and having lot's of fun!

Hey Jerry,

Who does your nails? Nice!
Actually, that's what I'm gonna do when my 6 year old Restoration artificial tar top and active volcano battery finally gives up the ghost.
Where did you get it?

Joe

[Gerard F.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Joe,

Got it from Restoration Battery (phone number in the Driveline). Pretty good delivery, about one week. With shipping to CA, it was a little over $300.

Remember to cover up your valve cover with a towel in removing and installing the battery, or you can ding it up. Guess how I know.

Also, with these batteries, it is advisable to check and/or adjust the charging voltage down at the voltage regulator. They say that over 15 volts ruins these batteries.

As far as the nails, I find that I have to redo them every Monday after working on the car over the weekend

[Stuart F.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Jerry;

Every Corvette owner that works on his own car manages to incur battle scars on their nails and knuckles all the time, and they display them openly like a badge of honor. I have a friend who is a real hands on guy with both his Vettes and boats. He is always covered with wounds, even on his arms, head, knees and legs. We used to look forward to seeing at our Monday morning staff meetings. My kinda guy!!

Stu Fox

[Joe C.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Jerry;

Every Corvette owner that works on his own car manages to incur battle scars on their nails and knuckles all the time, and they display them openly like a badge of honor. I have a friend who is a real hands on guy with both his Vettes and boats. He is always covered with wounds, even on his arms, head, knees and legs. We used to look forward to seeing at our Monday morning staff meetings. My kinda guy!!

Stu Fox

Maybe the wounds are from "the wife", trying to get him outta the garage so's he can take her shopping.

[Joe C.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Joe,

Got it from Restoration Battery (phone number in the Driveline). Pretty good delivery, about one week. With shipping to CA, it was a little over $300.

Remember to cover up your valve cover with a towel in removing and installing the battery, or you can ding it up. Guess how I know.

Also, with these batteries, it is advisable to check and/or adjust the charging voltage down at the voltage regulator. They say that over 15 volts ruins these batteries.

As far as the nails, I find that I have to redo them every Monday after working on the car over the weekend

Thanks Jerry. Yeah, that's where got my volcano style bat-tree.
Did ya get it date coded?
As far as bat-tree R&R, its easier to take a chainsaw to the right rear surround. Bettree then lift straight up and out. No muss-no fuss. Fix 'er up with a little duck tape, and (my car's black) black LACQUER, and it'll look just like it was when it was new.

[Rick S.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Jerry,
Not trying to burst your bubble or to detract from your upgrade but this is what I did for my car. Once again, not to knock your purchase or to knock the judges at the Mich 2007 Chapter meet but I bought a Battery Topper for around $50 and a Delco maintenance free battery from a friend in the battery business for $60 and it was not detected at judging. Here is a broad shot photo and they included the warning tag. Just another option for someone looking to get the correct look at a cheaper price.

Rick

[Nick M.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Rick

I've heard of the "battery topper". how does it install and where do you buy them?

[Nick M.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Jerry

I couln't help but notice that pretty blue wire wadded up behind your expansion tank. Was that a factory or aftermarket option?

[Jean C.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Hey, Jerry has a car that drives on the road...often and far...and still Top Flights at Regional level. Give him a break. Trailer? Don't need no stinkin' trailer
Best regards,

[Gerard F.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Nick,

The blue wire behind the expansion tank is part of my Vintage Air system. Keeps me cool driving to events. Even made Top Flight with it on (and with the Exide battery I just took out).

I suppose I'll tidy up the wiring a bit for the next event.

[Brian M.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

I got bagged for the Battery Topper at the National in 2004, and had to lift it to get credit for the Delco battery under it.

Jerry,
Not trying to burst your bubble or to detract from your upgrade but this is what I did for my car. Once again, not to knock your purchase or to knock the judges at the Mich 2007 Chapter meet but I bought a Battery Topper for around $50 and a Delco maintenance free battery from a friend in the battery business for $60 and it was not detected at judging. Here is a broad shot photo and they included the warning tag. Just another option for someone looking to get the correct look at a cheaper price.

Rick

[R N.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Unless they have changed the design of the battery topper, I felt the design did not allow the battery terminals to fit all the way down on the posts, so I sent it back. Just my .02 cents.

[Rick S.]

Re: R59 Battery, put one of these guys in today

Nick,
Here is the link: http://www.batterytoppers.com/

Rick