Battery Tray

[dewbers]

Anyone have an idea (other than Evil Bay) where I can find a battery tray? :confused: Have checked a few places, but can't seem to find one! Any info is appreciated!!

Thanks, Steve

[EEE]

I found one at the yard, and I've kept looking to see if I would ever find another, but no luck. It's one of the parts that are the first to go out on the car it seems like. I think that maybe using a battery tray from a different make/model might be the way to go, and just drill another 2-3 holes through the inner fender and core support to bolt it down.

[Smartin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BUICK-CENTURION-BATTERY-TRAY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34202QQihZ013QQite mZ230194046936QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[73 CONVERT RON]

vvvv

[dewbers]

I also placed a bid on this, but I locked it in at $30 or so(?). Went for $52 which seemed high to me. Surprised incurablecollector didn't get it. He seems to cherry pick stuff all the time. (just ask Rick!) I'll keep looking and if I stumble across a spare Ron, I'll do you a favor! :beers:

[turbojaeger]

hi!

isn´t this something for you?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Skylark-Special-GS-Battery-Tray-1968-69-70-71-1972_W0QQitemZ360009343489QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 360009343489

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BATTERY-TRAY-68-69-70-71-72-buick-SKYLARK-GS-gsX-V8-new_W0QQitemZ260198033645QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 60198033645

i remembered that i had seen them a few month ago in the ebay-stores,
which is sometimes different to the usual search results, and they are still there...
:user:
good luck.

[dewbers]

Thanks for looking Joern, but I don't think these will bolt up the same. They are from the smaller "A" body cars, not like our "B" body beasts!
I am correct guys?

[73 Centurion]

I switched to an Optima battery and bought an aluminum hold down for it. Aluminum won't rust through and the optima's don't leak as much as the liquid kind.

If you do get a good tray you should look through the junk yard for a plastic tray that fits your battery. Automakers finally figured out that a metal tray under a battery is dumb. Find one that fits under your battery and your tray will last a lot longer.

John.

[dewbers]

Good thought John... do you have a picture of this set up? Curious how it looks!

[turbojaeger]

did you take a look at walmart?
they have plastic-ones where the whole battery fits in.
doesn´t have a cover, and i´m not sure big batterys fit in it because
i remember it was for boats/maritim use...

but take a look at them, maybe it´s the thing you´re looking for...

[Smartin]

One thing you could do, is buy a generic one, and drill holes in it for the existing bolts.

[Smartin]

Steve, this car might have the correctly optioned dash bezel you're looking for:

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=162398

[dewbers]

Thanks Adam... I sent him a note. Much appreciated!

[73 Centurion]

Here is the Optima Battery set up. I've cleaned up the wiring since it was taken.

Battery trays rust out because batteries release gas when they are charged. The gas can condense and settle in the tray below the battery. The acid eats the paint and the metal. Batteries also warm up slightly when they are being charged and moisture will also condense and collect in those convenient depressions in the tray.

If you find a good battery tray have it blasted and powder coated, hopefully that will give the tray a fighting chance.

When your in a salvage yard look in large vehicles for a plastic tray that can live under the battery. If you get the right size it will sit nicely in your new tray and collect any fluids.

I learned a good trick from an old timer. Smear a light coat of vaseline over the terminals and cable ends. This stops the corrosion better than those felt rings and makes it easier to undo the cables.

John

[73 Centurion]

The thin red and black wires that run to the left of the picture are for the battery tender.

There have been some stories of powerful battery chargers shortening the life of Optima batteries. A motorcycle trickle charger provides a nice slow charge and then tops it up as needed.

John

[The German]

BTW: A month ago I saw an interesting battery in a Chrysler car (2 pics).