Getting ready to put up my '74 roadster for the winter. I'd like to hook up the maintainer under the hood so I can keep the windows rolled up to keep the mice out. Your hookup location suggestion would be appreciated.

 

I hook it up to the back of the alternator.

 

I hook mine up to the battery and run the charging cable under the door.

 

Same.

 

Me too...... +2

 

Am I missing something here? Seems like there would be a high probability of a wire chafing using this this method.

 

I did this on my C6 as there's a "V" shaped groove molded in the door sill that will accommodate the power cord. The C3 doesn't have this and I wondered if running the cord under the door would damage the weather stripping which is rather frail after 41 years.

 

mickey5 get three bars of irish spring soap ,cut it into small pieces and spread it around the tires ,the mice cant stand the smell and stay away from your car,or get yourself a big A$$ cat and keep it in your garage!!!!!

 

Mickey,
The battery 'maintainer' is one item that I plan on getting in the not too distant future..Have only had my '78 since July 2015..

The battery in the back driver's side compartment issue seems to be a bit problematical for simple access.

My car will reside indoors in the garage..but the garage isn't 'mouse proof'( tho we have no rodent problems)
I'd prefer to connect a battery maintainer under the hood IF possible..
Just have to study up a bit on simplest effective points to connect it TO..
What brand battery maintainer did you get and why did you choose it?.

Did it come with instructions on how best to connect it up?

TECH support lines to call for specific help on cars such as our C3s?..
I'm curious..
Thanks, Jim

 

If the car is going into hibernation for the winter, you may consider removing the battery altogether. That way, if anything funky happens to the charger or battery it won't be inside the cabin.

 

Hi Jim,
I purchased a CTEK MUS 4.3 maintainer which is the next step up from the CTEK MULTI US 3300. The 3300 is the unit given with many new cars including the Corvette at a cost of $100 or more. The 4.3 has twice the output and can be found on line for $60-$75. It has an 8 step charging function with LED display for each step. It also has a desulphatiing function. Look up the company website for a description of all their various units.

One easy way to hook it up is by using a cigarette lighter adapter available at auto stores. Make sure its on with the ignition off.

Clipping the unit to the back stud on the alternator is a great idea as mentioned but would require removing the protective rubber boot evry time you hook it up and replacing it when done.

 

doesn't matter.. there are several ways in besides a slightly open window for a mouse to get in if he wants to...

 

this is the best idea.i have seen batterys over charged and the acid burned out .

 

+1

I also do this.

The space between the door and the body that the door weatherstrip seals is more than large enough to accommodate the wires without damaging them; in fact, I can easily move the wires around with the door closed.

 

I sent a few questions to the folks about the CTEK 3300 12 volt DC battery maintainer w/ the cigarette lighter-socket adapter.

The unit comes with a set of terminals and pigtail w/quick connect that can attach to the battery posts.

For the behind seat side terminal battery in my '78, this enables one to simply and quickly connect the CTEK maintainer to the pig tail quick connect lead attached to the battery battery and plug the maintainer into your 120vAC outlet.
One could use this quick connect setup in an underhood connection point properly chosen for positive and frame ground..
The unit also of course comes with the larger 'alligator' clips like most jumper cable setups have.

IF the cigarette lighter receptacle is 'hot' with the ignition switch OFF there is also a pigtail with quick connect that does away with anything attached to battery pos-neg posts for the battery maintainer to be active and in use.
NOTE WELL for use of the cig lighter receptacle adapter connection:
The battery maintainer must be switched off or quick-disconnected BEFORE the car is started.

The CTEK unit is designed to provide the battery maintainance and CANNOT overcharge the battery even if left connected for extended periods of time..

FWIW, The CTEK maintainers are provided by dealers of some of the finest most expensive cars by the dealer-manufacturers with batteries and computer systems that are far more sensitive than our C3 electrical systems and NAPA conventional batteries..

My eldest son has two racing motorcycles and he uses the CTEK units to maintain the batteries of both of them when he's not at the track.
The CTEK MUS unit that was mentioned previously is one for use in the coldest ambients..like minus 20F..
I don't need that capability here in my Oregon garage..

I haven't ordered the 3300 unit yet..but on line e bay CTEK from dealer is about $80.00 complete with cig lighter pigtail and free shipping..

Thanks all for the inputs and hope this may help others to make an intelligent decision if/when they decide they want such a system for their car when it is sitting for any length of time..Jim