Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

[Mark P.]

My 65 came with one of the plastic battery covers that make a modern battery look somewhat original.

Has anyone had issues with these ?

I don't like the way the battery terminals sit up a bit higher (probably 1/4" or so).

This causes the battery hold down shield to get too close to the positive battery terminal. I'm worried about shorting.

I am about to install correct spring loaded battery cables and don't think they will work very well if they are sitting up higher than normal.

Should I just forget about the cover ?

[John H.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

The outfit that makes the covers also makes battery terminal post extensions to deal with that issue.

[Rick S.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

Mark,
As John mentions, extensions are made but I was able to use the Topper w/o the extensions for many years with original type spring cables.In the photo you can see the postive post with a trickle charger clip attached.
Rick

[Mark P.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

Did 67 use a different battery hold down ? Yours is probably much less bulky than mine.

My car is a 65 non A/C small block car and it has a large shield over it. Is this the right shield ?

See the attached picture. The previous owners used a bit of blue masking tape to insulate the generic battery terminal.

The repro cables will help improve this but I think I'll need the post extensions to feel comfortable.

What do you think ?

[Rick S.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

Mark,
Yes, the 67 does have a different battery hold down. Looking at your battery post and how the cable looks, I would agree that the extensions would be advisable.

Rick

[Brian M.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

I thought that the extensions looked they resulted in a poor connection.

[Bill C.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

The outfit that makes the covers also makes battery terminal post extensions to deal with that issue.

The use of the post extensions is a great idea in theory but in use they are horrible. Because of wide tolerances in post size from one battery to the next the ID of the extensions is on the large side, so installing it over the post results in almost zero contact with the post except for the small set screw on the side that is supposed to lock it in place. Which it does not do very well, its only a 10-24 set screw that will never tighten up against the soft post, so it loosens, gets hot and arcs under cranking loads and I have seen it actually melt some of the post off.

Had nothing but trouble with a few sets of these, they are now hanging on the wall.
My suggestion?

Forget 'em!

I can say the same for those green knob disconnects but will leave that for another thread.
Bill

[John H.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

What do you think ?

Mark -

I think you'd have less of a potential issue if you had a battery cable with the correct terminal on the end; those bolts and nuts make it pretty bulky.

[Mark P.]

Re: Battery covers - makes the battery resemble a tar topped battery

I have new repro battery cables that will replace the ones installed on the car.

I'll see if I can make it work with the cover and if I can't, I'll remove the cover and install the battery and new correct cables.