12V battery question

Lanexa Speedway · Aug 29, 2014

Ok, I'm getting closer today to getting the machine started ('58 641 gasser), and went to get a 12V battery today from NAPA.

I have the original square bracket that surrounds the battery perimeter at the top, as well as the two vertical bolts with wing nuts to hold it down. This setup fits like a glove with my 6V battery. However, we went back into the warehouse at NAPA to pick out a 12V battery to fit this original setup, and no dice. The modern 12V top-post batteries that they had (and they had a bunch) are all either too wide, or too narrow for that original bracket.

I know I could switch bracket setups easily to use these modern batteries, but would like to keep the original configuration if possible. Quesiton is this: Is there a 12V battery with the same dimensions as the orginal 6V setup, and fits the original bracketry like a glove? I did some searching on here and couldn't find anything.

Thanks!
Kevin

WayneIA · Aug 29, 2014

A group 25 or 35 will fit in the 641 box almost perfect. Battery post location is the difference in the two. And off the top of my head, I can't remember which is which.

souNdguy · Aug 29, 2014

ditto.. i have used gr 35's before.

Lanexa Speedway · Aug 29, 2014

Thanks guys.

The dimensions of the Group 25 and 35 look good. However, it also looks like the posts are positioned very much outboard to the perimeter, meaning they will touch the metal rectangular top hold-down bracket. On the old 6V battery, the posts are positioned inward, and well away from the bracket. Are you guys using the factory type bracket, or a different type of hold-down?

Kevin

WayneIA · Aug 29, 2014

Sorry, should have mention that. I use a 1/4 rod, put a loop on either end, run the rod across the top of the battery

souNdguy · Aug 29, 2014

black bunji on most of mine!

if you have to have the bracket. get one of the skinny batteries and use a wood block to size it up.. that's what i have on my naa

Lanexa Speedway · Aug 29, 2014

Thanks again guys.

As crazy as I have gotten with this machine, I'd really like to stay with the factory hold-down setup and not bungies or wood blocks.

Thinking about it some more, perhaps I'll just get a 25/35 and rework that hold-down bracket to get clearance with the battery posts. Trim a bunch of metal away, and weld a small angle on the side for more strength. Gotta study some more, and will post up pics if I go that way.

Also still scouring battery dimensions trying to find something.....http://www.batteryplex.com/sheets/BCI_21170_Combined_with_Cover.pdf

Kevin

Lanexa Speedway · Aug 29, 2014

Or might just use a 25/35 and make my own upper bracket similar to original (perimeter), but with terminal clearance. Should be easy. Pics to follow...

Kevin

Dean · Aug 29, 2014

If you want it to look original you will need to use the OEM group 6V battery.

Dean

tractorguy2 · Aug 30, 2014

I don't remember the part number. Carquest makes a
12v battery that will fit right in a 6v box.

Lanexa Speedway · Aug 30, 2014

Update: Just bought a Group 35 from NAPA. Gonna make my own top strap, most likely a piece of flat steel with another piece of flat steel welded 90-degrees on the end. Simple.

Will post pics when done.

12V battery question

Lanexa Speedway

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WayneIA

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souNdguy

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Lanexa Speedway

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WayneIA

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souNdguy

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Lanexa Speedway

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Dean

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tractorguy2

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