69 Convertible Battery Hold down
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
69 Convertible Battery Hold down
Seasons Greetings!
Looking for a little advice from any experienced with a 69 convertible...I'm looking for any tips/tricks to get the battery hold down to work in my vette. My hands are too big in that tiny compartment to get the bolt started -- I've used long handled screwdrivers but figure that I can't be the only one whose ever struggled with this. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Looking for a little advice from any experienced with a 69 convertible...I'm looking for any tips/tricks to get the battery hold down to work in my vette. My hands are too big in that tiny compartment to get the bolt started -- I've used long handled screwdrivers but figure that I can't be the only one whose ever struggled with this. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,607
Likes: 839
From: PA
The base of your battery is identical to the original, correct?
If it isn’t, that might be part of your problem.
If all is correct with the battery configuration, I would suggest putting some tape over the bolt to get an interference fit when you put it into the socket. Doing that allows you to have the bolt facing down without falling out. Use a 10”-12” extension and go straight down into the threaded mount. Set the bracket in a way so that you can pass through that and into the threaded mount easily.
Never a problem as long as the battery is correct.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
If it isn’t, that might be part of your problem.
If all is correct with the battery configuration, I would suggest putting some tape over the bolt to get an interference fit when you put it into the socket. Doing that allows you to have the bolt facing down without falling out. Use a 10”-12” extension and go straight down into the threaded mount. Set the bracket in a way so that you can pass through that and into the threaded mount easily.
Never a problem as long as the battery is correct.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 822
From: Wisconsin
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Zip ties! Has to be all black zip ties to pass nhra tech inspection.
Also if your battery doesn't have a handle you can build one really easily
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 346
From: Smyrna, TN
The base of your battery is identical to the original, correct?
If it isn’t, that might be part of your problem.
If all is correct with the battery configuration, I would suggest putting some tape over the bolt to get an interference fit when you put it into the socket. Doing that allows you to have the bolt facing down without falling out. Use a 10”-12” extension and go straight down into the threaded mount. Set the bracket in a way so that you can pass through that and into the threaded mount easily.
Never a problem as long as the battery is correct.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
If it isn’t, that might be part of your problem.
If all is correct with the battery configuration, I would suggest putting some tape over the bolt to get an interference fit when you put it into the socket. Doing that allows you to have the bolt facing down without falling out. Use a 10”-12” extension and go straight down into the threaded mount. Set the bracket in a way so that you can pass through that and into the threaded mount easily.
Never a problem as long as the battery is correct.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,282
Likes: 7,863
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The battery hold down should have a oval hole. Elongated enough to have the bolt started, just, and slide it back against the rear wall. With the battery not yet installed! Walk battery in engaging the front lock mount on the bottom, then tilting back into place. Then slide the lock forward that already has the bolt started. If your hands are too big use a large screwdriver or small pry bar to slide the lock into place. Then just tighten the bolt. A 10 inch extension should be more than long enough.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 579
From: Pittsburgh PA
The battery hold down should have a oval hole. Elongated enough to have the bolt started, just, and slide it back against the rear wall. With the battery not yet installed! Walk battery in engaging the front lock mount on the bottom, then tilting back into place. Then slide the lock forward that already has the bolt started. If your hands are too big use a large screwdriver or small pry bar to slide the lock into place. Then just tighten the bolt. A 10 inch extension should be more than long enough.
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