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Battery replacement

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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 11:42 PM
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Default Battery replacement

I was thinking about putting a new battery in my 63 SWC. It looks like I might have to pull out the radiator fill tank mounted above it to replace the battery. I hope I am wrong, can one of you guys tell me how easy or hard the battery is to get out of my car.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 12:02 AM
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Just loosen the straps and pull the tank up out of the way ( toward carb). Tie it up if you are working alone. That way you don't have to remove any hoses. That is the easiest way to do it.

Don
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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I tried to tie my tank up and away but I have a/c and the hoses along with heater hoses were in the way. I used some small vice grips to clamp off the hose, drained the tank, and removed it which made the battery removal and install much easier.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 12:49 PM
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It's a royal PITA so get a battery that will last a long time!

I also remove the two metal bands that hold the tank and pull it up out of the way as much as possible.

Then of course you need to hassle getting the bands back on and getting those band bolts in, etc., Things get scratched...
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 05:01 PM
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It is a PITA! However take your time and dont get fustrated! You can do it! Everyone in life should experience this at least once....
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 05:08 PM
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I hope some of you guys never have to do a real job on a car!

In the meantime, if this job is too challenging, drive on down to Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone and they'll install your battery for you, for free!

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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 05:51 PM
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One thing you might keep in mind is to check the battery cover to make sure it will fit down flush. I replaced with a Delco Energizer, and had to trim the material that is in there for the built in carrying strap. The cover won't fit down without doing that.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeM
I hope some of you guys never have to do a real job on a car!

In the meantime, if this job is too challenging, drive on down to Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone and they'll install your battery for you, for free!

Oh yeah! That's the guy I want working on my Vette.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by stingrayl76
Oh yeah! That's the guy I want working on my Vette.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by stingrayl76
Oh yeah! That's the guy I want working on my Vette.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by stingrayl76
Oh yeah! That's the guy I want working on my Vette.
You think there'd be as much whinin' goin' on there if they did it?

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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:38 PM
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They might ask what make car is it when they see it. Dennis
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:39 PM
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Pull the Engine

Then you can set inside the engine bay, the access to the battery compartment will be easier.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 66jack
Pull the Engine

Then you can set inside the engine bay, the access to the battery compartment will be easier.
jack

You forgot one thing... also they would have to jack the car up, and take off all four tires too.

Bruce
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeM

In the meantime, if this job is too challenging, drive on down to Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone and they'll install your battery for you, for free!

Originally Posted by stingrayl76
Oh yeah! That's the guy I want working on my Vette.
An acquaintance of mine took his 67 427/400 to Sears for a battery, and left with a leaking heater core from them pulling the heater hoses out of the way. Whenever I replace my battery, I disconnect the hoses from the core to eliminate the possibility of that happening. I also put a coating of silicone grease on the inside of those 2 hoses many years ago, and they never stick to the core.


RON
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 5thvet
Just loosen the straps and pull the tank up out of the way ( toward carb). Tie it up if you are working alone. That way you don't have to remove any hoses. That is the easiest way to do it.

Don
if you do not have a/c. Takes about 20 minutes
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeM
You think there'd be as much whinin' goin' on there if they did it?

Not until they spilled acid, reversed the polarity, scratched the fender and broke a nipple on the surge tank. Then the whining started.
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 09:03 PM
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The best part is when you drop off the vette for a battery replacement is this...
Your in the waiting room for a about and hour and the guy comes in and sets and quietly asks....where is the battery located at in your car
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Old Feb 25, 2011 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 32361ARTHUR
I was thinking about putting a new battery in my 63 SWC. It looks like I might have to pull out the radiator fill tank mounted above it to replace the battery. I hope I am wrong, can one of you guys tell me how easy or hard the battery is to get out of my car.
Looking at your profile and where you work you should have no trouble doing this job yourself, or you can have your motorcylce mechanic do it. You do have to remove the tank, but it's one of the easiest jobs you'll have to do on a C2.
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Old Feb 25, 2011 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by raypilot65
Looking at your profile and where you work you should have no trouble doing this job yourself, or you can have your motorcylce mechanic do it. You do have to remove the tank, but it's one of the easiest jobs you'll have to do on a C2.
I recently pulled the old engine out and put a 383 in the car, I should have done it then. The battery that's in it is still ok but its old. We run ODDESEY batteries in our V8 bikes and I think I'll put one in the vette if they have one the right size. Replacing the battery doesn't seem like a hard task but it does seem like a PTIA.
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