66 Battery Removal
 

Removed the battery today for the first time in my small block non a/c 66. I read all the posts on the forum I could find before starting and was struggling with how I was going to grip it to lift it out. I had purchased a battery strap that attaches to the posts but it was no help when the battery was tilted. I recalled a tip a forum member posted about using a strap they had from PT. I had a web belt like you would find at any sporting goods store and it worked perfectly. I wrapped the belt around the battery, stood it up on its end, cinched the strap down to where I had just enough clearance between the belt and battery for my hand and lifted it out with one hand while steadying it with the other. Don’t recall who posted the strap tip but a hearty thanks to you!

Did this last year on my '66 and I have lots of experience with leaky batteries in cars from the 60s and 70s. I did not relish tilting the battery! I got a folded piece of cardboard under the battery and then double bagged it with contractor trash bags.before tilting and lifting out. Awkward for sure. Good idea with the belt.

And of course, my battery didn't leak at all LOL. I'm certain that without my precautions it would have.

Put a battery in the 65 L78 last night with a friend I enlist to beat my spinner. I can't do it for fear of hitting the fender. It would be less bad if he it it, for me. Battery R&R is not a fun task in a C2, NOR a C7 as I'm finding out. That one is next.

Dan

Update. Got a group 34 battery and installed it with no problems. I was worried the shorter battery would give me problems installing the hold down. Before installing I adjusted the depth of the hold down screw closest to fender on back side of battery to compensate for height difference on the 34 vs 24 and I used 3 plastic grocery bags to hold battery while lowering it into position. No problems. Lot easier than getting it out!

Me too. Did the l78 the other night with an interstate AGM group 34. Group 34 is the battery to use in a C2 easier to get in and out no appreciable difference in performance.

Dan

Do y’all modify the hold down/battery? The hold down seems really close to the terminals on present battery designs and the handles and handle slots prevents the hold down fitting over the battery.

No modifications made and no problems fitting the hold down. Just push the battery handle down all the way and tighten thumb screws

The hold-down is indeed disturbingly close (IMO) to the battery terminals. I have a battery tray and hold-down for a '67 on a shelf, awaiting the next time I need to yank the battery out of my '63. I'm not chasing originality awards with this car, so it seemed like a no-brainer to me.

Jim Lockwood posted a while ago about his clever approach to battery R&R in his C1. I'll be trying it on my C2 next time. Post #26 here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-1966-a-2.html

Live well,

SJW

I’ll take a picture of mine tomorrow and post

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d3cf8c1a1.jpeg
Here is a pic of installed battery with heat shield hold down and battery disconnect.note how far rear hold down thumb screw is down due to group 34 battery being 1” shorter

Interesting as I believed 34 & 24 batteries L & W were the same. But my 24 battery completely fills the retainer whereas your 34 shows a gap on the ends.

According to my measurements it only the height that is different. I think some of us are using different battery trays and hold-down brackets.

Dan

Just for curiosity, can you post hold down X-Y dimensions? I was under the assumption all were the same for a 24 battery.

Too all of you having your car NCRS judged, the deduction for a Group 34 is the same as a Group 24.

I’m on the road for work. Will post measurements Thursday

Here is one I planned on using on the 64.

10.25”x 6.8125” is advertised size 24 & 34 :shrug:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...97dbadf22.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...708ceaa72.jpeg

What is supposed to be in there?

Dan

Battery installation and removal in a Small Block
 

I was the one who posted the comment and pictures on using my old PT strap on a SB battery for both removal and installation.

Kind of funny as coincidentally I am going over to a friends house this morning to help him remove and install an old and then new battery in his red 67 L79. I already put my PT strap in my car. Glad you got some benefit out of my suggestion. And you are welcome! C.J.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...moval-aid.html

A group 24, but last week the NCRS rules changed, a group 34 is now a full deduct, Poop!

The disagreeable side of me wonders how much dedication there is for unleaded gas in the tank and 2024 air in the tires