*Battery Hold Down Bolt Size?*
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,668
Likes: 3,123
From: Shamong, NJ
The bolt is a 5/16-18 x 1 1/2", 1/2" hex head, automotive body bolt. Original bolts came with either a captive washer, or a hex washer head (the hex head flares to create a washer effect). Body bolts have a machine thread with a pointed end, making them easier to install, and get started, in the hole. A body bolt is a lot easier to get started, down in that dark battery compartment.
You should be able to get correct body bolts, from a local auto parts store, or any of the Corvette vendors.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,668
Likes: 3,123
From: Shamong, NJ
I tried using the correct bolt, I really did, but could never get the threads to go as the bolt was too short. Here's my thread on the subject.
The clamp gets installed so that the lip of the clamp, goes against the ridge molded into the side of the battery. When installed correctly, the bolt sits down inside the clamp.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 850
Likes: 12
From: Shakopee MN
From looking at your previous post, if you were installing the hold down clamp, as you showed it in the photos, you had it up side down. Installing it that way, the bolt will never be long enough!
The clamp gets installed so that the lip of the clamp, goes against the ridge molded into the side of the battery. When installed correctly, the bolt sits down inside the clamp.
The clamp gets installed so that the lip of the clamp, goes against the ridge molded into the side of the battery. When installed correctly, the bolt sits down inside the clamp.
Since you asked, I just now went and looked in my '71 AIM on page L254. It clearly shows that the way I put it in is correct.
Here's a pic that shows what I see in my AIM.
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