Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

[Dan T.]

I just bought a 1974 L82 Coupe and it appears that the previous owner ran over something and it badly damaged the battery compartment. A large portion of the fiberglass was ripped off and there seems to be some sheet metal exposed. This may have been added to hold the battery in. Can I replace the battery compartment or do I have to have it re-fiberglassed? I don't think it is safe to drive as is.
Thanks. Dan

[Don G.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

If you have extensive damage and missing fiberglass, you may want to consider finding a donor clip and have a body shop replace the section.

You might start by determining what years have a common design and then check ebay for a rear clip from one of those years. You can also check with Corvette salvage yards. Since you are only looking for the battery compartment, you can keep the price down by finding an otherwise badly damaged rear clip. The bigger challenge is to find someone who can patch it in without it looking like it was patched in.

Good Luck.

[Gary R.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

Yes they can be done, basic fiberglass work. I did my 69 box years ago. They get damaged from broken u-joints or battery acid.

[Dan T.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

If I were to go the route of buying a compartment from a salvage operation would I be able to install that without taking the body off. From looking at it from below all 3 compartments seem to be one piece. I would hope that there would be a seem towards the back and one right by the seats. Any clue about this?

[Harmon C.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

Any of the Corvette bone yards should have a battery box. I cut the bottom two inches off on one car and the doner. Cliped it on the four corners with small metal strips. With the spliced area ground out I glassed it in. I then removed the metal strips and glassed the corners. I finished the area smooth and blended in some light undercoat to match the wheelwell.

It has four sides and can be done on the car.

[Dan T.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

I'd like to thank everyone for the input. This is great because I am new at this and have the drive but not the knowledge. I have found 2 donor parts that I am negotiating on now and will splice it on. Thanks to all.

Dan

[Dan T.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

When you say the spliced area is ground out do you mean that it is sanded down so the they merge better? If you could explain in laymans terms that would help. Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

I'm planning to replace the battery box in my '70 using a good used box from a donor car. I've done this before on another car (a '73 which also had a battery box eaten by acid) with good result.

My question is what's the best method for matching the original fiberglass finish? Is it just gel coat or is it also painted? Is there a specific color or tint?

Thanks guys.

[Russ S.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

You grind both pcs in a concave extending about one inch on each, butt them up and glass.

When you say the spliced area is ground out do you mean that it is sanded down so the they merge better? If you could explain in layman's terms that would help. Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

Russ,

Thanks for answering Dan's seven year old question.

I still would like to know how to refinish the fiberglass (post #8).

[Mark E.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

I'm planning to replace the battery box in my '70 using a good used box from a donor car. I've done this before on another car (a '73 which also had a battery box eaten by acid) with good result.

My question is what's the best method for matching the original fiberglass finish? Is it just gel coat or is it also painted? Is there a specific color or tint?

Thanks guys.

Any advice?

[Mark E.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

I'm planning to replace the battery box in my '70 using a good used box from a donor car. I've done this before on another car (a '73 which also had a battery box eaten by acid) with good result.

My question is what's the best method for matching the original fiberglass finish? Is it just gel coat or is it also painted? Is there a specific color or tint? Thanks guys.

Can one of you help with this? I guess I can ask a couple of Corvette restoration shops and post the responses.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

Russ,

Thanks for answering Dan's seven year old question.

I still would like to know how to refinish the fiberglass (post #8).

Hi Mark,
l feel your pain, with not getting an answer. However, I also had to do some repair work on my 73 battery box. My corner where the negative cable passes thru was gone from corrosion. I too was searching to find a close match to the original fiberglass finished appearance. But really, like you didn't have much luck. I did read (can't remember where,and didn't keep it) something where a guy tried spattering some gray/white paint over the dark gray base color trying to simulate the look. I attempted it but it was next to impossible to do under the car, so I abandoned it and just sprayed undercoating on the repair for now. I'm sure there is someone out there with the answer, can't believe no one on here as tried to accomplish this.
Mark, maybe you should start this as a separate new thread? These guys are seeing battery compartment replacement on a 74. Not seeing your issue. I'd be interested too! Just a thought,��
Sorry I could more of help,
Regards,
Jimmy

[Terry M.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

Hi Mark,
l feel your pain, with not getting an answer. However, I also had to do some repair work on my 73 battery box. My corner where the negative cable passes thru was gone from corrosion. I too was searching to find a close match to the original fiberglass finished appearance. But really, like you didn't have much luck. I did read (can't remember where,and didn't keep it) something where a guy tried spattering some gray/white paint over the dark gray base color trying to simulate the look. I attempted it but it was next to impossible to do under the car, so I abandoned it and just sprayed undercoating on the repair for now. I'm sure there is someone out there with the answer, can't believe no one on here as tried to accomplish this.
Mark, maybe you should start this as a separate new thread? These guys are seeing battery compartment replacement on a 74. Not seeing your issue. I'd be interested too! Just a thought,��
Sorry I could more of help,
Regards,
Jimmy

I am pretty sure I saw an answer to this issue in a Restorer article about spare tire tubs a year of two ago. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to it because I don't have the need of that technique. You might want to check the last couple of years of Restorer issues.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Can I replace the battery compartment on a 1974 Coupe

I am pretty sure I saw an answer to this issue in a Restorer article about spare tire tubs a year of two ago. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to it because I don't have the need of that technique. You might want to check the last couple of years of Restorer issues.

Was in the Spring 2016 issue but it was storage compartment door and hinge restoration, not the box