Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wilkin250r · 11-01-2013, 01:30 AM

I think this is one of those subjects that people take for granted, it's certainly not a major focal point of a restoration. But the previous owner made some modifications, so I'm trying to return it to something close to stock.

1. What battery are you all using? Researching online, it's looking like the stock battery is a side-post. I hate those. My current battery is a top-post.

2. Can somebody give me a quick picture of the hold-down? Is it plastic or metal? A replacement is only a few bucks, but they have a couple different styles, so I don't know what I'm looking for.

My truck is mainly used off road, and the old battery was just bunjeed in place, and it fell over, leaked, and generally made a giant mess. I need to remedy this situation, and I prefer it to be close or similar to stock.

83GMCK2500 · 11-01-2013, 02:06 AM

Interstate MTP-78DT

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tucsonjwt · 11-01-2013, 02:13 AM

In my experience, I get far less sulfating at the battery terminals with a side post battery. For off road use, I would still stick with the stock set up as pictured above, and use the stock battery tray. I would try to add a metal top mounted brace style hold down. Also, I would replace the stock battery tray with a new one if it is corroded. I installed two start batteries and a 140 amp alternator with a remote solenoid and GM high torque mini starter because I have a big block with a heat soak issue, but a small block should be fine with just one stock battery and the stock set up.

tucsonjwt · 11-01-2013, 02:32 AM

I also got battery tray absorber pads from LMC and had to add longer bolts for the hold down clamp because of the additional thickness of the pads. This might also give you a little shock absorption.

KQQL IT · 11-01-2013, 02:54 AM

Optima battery with one similar.

http://www.sandparts.com/servlet/the...ery-Box/Detail

KrazyRay · 11-01-2013, 01:27 PM

A metal hold down is for 73-80.

BONUSCAB · 11-01-2013, 05:12 PM

I learned the importance of a battery hold down when my battery fell over and I put 1000CCA through my trans cooler line, thus setting my fan shroud on fire and almost burning my truck down if it wasn't for a guy near by with a fire extinguisher in his car. I opened my wallet and without looking I gave him every dollar I had on me.

donut · 11-01-2013, 06:59 PM

Look in the battery section of your local auto parts store. IIRC, they also sell an "I" shaped frame that goes over the top of the battery with a couple "J" bolts that hook into a base plate. Not OEM, but if your doing a lot of wheeling it may be an option.

My old snowplow had the OEM style metal one, even hitting snow banks, it seemed to hold up fine.

Bad Karma · 11-03-2013, 10:33 PM

I have a Toyota for wheeling, I use an Odyssey battery with a mount from this place:

http://www.artecindustries.com/Batte...nts_c_134.html

Also have an old Optima battery mount from Ballistic Fab, I like the Artec better.

11-01-2013, 01:30 AM	#1
wilkin250r Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada Posts: 755	Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs I think this is one of those subjects that people take for granted, it's certainly not a major focal point of a restoration. But the previous owner made some modifications, so I'm trying to return it to something close to stock. 1. What battery are you all using? Researching online, it's looking like the stock battery is a side-post. I hate those. My current battery is a top-post. 2. Can somebody give me a quick picture of the hold-down? Is it plastic or metal? A replacement is only a few bucks, but they have a couple different styles, so I don't know what I'm looking for. My truck is mainly used off road, and the old battery was just bunjeed in place, and it fell over, leaked, and generally made a giant mess. I need to remedy this situation, and I prefer it to be close or similar to stock. __________________ I know a little about cars, but if you have a question about electricity or sport quads, I'm your man!!!

11-01-2013, 02:06 AM	#2
83GMCK2500 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Beaverton, OR from WA State Posts: 1,515	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs Interstate MTP-78DT & __________________ Devin 1983 GMC High Sierra 2500, 4x4, RC/LB, 400 S.B., SM-465, NP-208, Corporate 10 bolt & 9.5" 14 bolt 1996 GMC Sierra SLE 3500 DRW, 4x4, EC/LB, Vortec 454, NV-4500, BW-4401, AAM 925 & AAM 1050 1997 GMC Sierra SLT 1500 4x4, Z71/F44, EC/SB, Vortec 350 My Introduction with my '83s History New Daily, the '96

11-01-2013, 02:13 AM	#3
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs In my experience, I get far less sulfating at the battery terminals with a side post battery. For off road use, I would still stick with the stock set up as pictured above, and use the stock battery tray. I would try to add a metal top mounted brace style hold down. Also, I would replace the stock battery tray with a new one if it is corroded. I installed two start batteries and a 140 amp alternator with a remote solenoid and GM high torque mini starter because I have a big block with a heat soak issue, but a small block should be fine with just one stock battery and the stock set up.

11-01-2013, 02:32 AM	#4
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs I also got battery tray absorber pads from LMC and had to add longer bolts for the hold down clamp because of the additional thickness of the pads. This might also give you a little shock absorption.

11-01-2013, 02:54 AM	#5
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,211	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs Optima battery with one similar. http://www.sandparts.com/servlet/the...ery-Box/Detail __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

11-01-2013, 01:27 PM	#6
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs A metal hold down is for 73-80. Attached Images

11-01-2013, 05:12 PM	#7
BONUSCAB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: east troy, WI Posts: 341	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs I learned the importance of a battery hold down when my battery fell over and I put 1000CCA through my trans cooler line, thus setting my fan shroud on fire and almost burning my truck down if it wasn't for a guy near by with a fire extinguisher in his car. I opened my wallet and without looking I gave him every dollar I had on me. __________________ Few things in life will make you look stupider than putting a dollar sign after a number.

11-01-2013, 06:59 PM	#8
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs Look in the battery section of your local auto parts store. IIRC, they also sell an "I" shaped frame that goes over the top of the battery with a couple "J" bolts that hook into a base plate. Not OEM, but if your doing a lot of wheeling it may be an option. My old snowplow had the OEM style metal one, even hitting snow banks, it seemed to hold up fine. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

11-03-2013, 10:33 PM	#9
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Re: Talk to me about batteries and hold-downs I have a Toyota for wheeling, I use an Odyssey battery with a mount from this place: http://www.artecindustries.com/Batte...nts_c_134.html Also have an old Optima battery mount from Ballistic Fab, I like the Artec better. __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb



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