battery relocation spots for 69 stepside - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dagobah · 07-18-2018, 08:06 PM

Howdy errbody. I am looking to relocate the battery on my 1969 GMC stepside. Also, it is a short bed. The goal is to move weight off of the front end, so anything behind the front wheels would be an improvement.

Originally I thought about mounting it to the firewall. I don't see a lot of people doing that. I've also seen them mounted inside the cab behind the seat. I'm not sure about that. I don't know if sealed batteries have to be vented.

Ideally, it'd be down low and between the front and rear wheels with reasonably easy access. I see people mounting them to their frames, but I think that's always on fleetsides. Your suggestions are much appreciated.

BRL · 07-19-2018, 03:15 PM

Surprised nobody replied to this yet, I would like to see any ideas out there too.

slowcpe · 07-19-2018, 04:49 PM

While I haven't actually done this yet, my plan is to mount on the frame just behind the rear tire on the passenger side. It "should" fit.

Dagobah · 12-13-2018, 09:25 PM

Kind sir, I scanned through your two truck threads to see if you had any pics. Any progress on your battery relocation?

Andy4639 · 12-13-2018, 11:01 PM

These are not mine but off the internet for idea's.

Just remember the further you mount it away from the motor the bigger gauge cables you should use.

68gmsee · 12-13-2018, 11:47 PM

An internet search for "67-72 chevy truck battery relocation" and clicking on images shows several location possibilities. If you add "kit" at the end you get some mounting kits for relocating the battery.

The stock location of the battery on these trucks is not the best area. I see a lot of corrosion on the hoods directly above the battery in many trucks. However, the concern I would have with relocating to the frame is water splashing on the battery terminals and maybe causing a short.

C-cab23 · 12-14-2018, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

However, the concern I would have with relocating to the frame is water splashing on the battery terminals and maybe causing a short.

I don't think there is a problem with water shorting the battery...I have a Chevy ssr and the battery is located behind the rear end....that's the way it came from the factory..

Mike C · 12-14-2018, 09:32 AM

As I prepare to fix ANOTHER rusted battery tray and inner fender well, I highly recommend getting away from lead acid batteries and going AGM. You can also mount an AGM battery at any angle.

Have you looked at going to a lightweight battery instead of relocating it? I think some of the Odyssey batteries weigh around 10#?

I am an Optima fanboy, but they don’t do anything to help you with weight.

Dagobah · 01-31-2020, 10:49 PM

Going with a lightweight battery would probably be the most straight-forward way to go. The other idea I was thinking about was putting the battery in the toolbox, but here's the catch:

The toolbox I'll have in the truck was hand-made by my grandpa who bought the truck new. Now I'm starting to think I shouldn't drill holes in it. I don't know.

*randy500* · 01-31-2020, 11:46 PM

Put it on the step

07-18-2018, 08:06 PM	#1
Dagobah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: shreveport, louisiana Posts: 28	battery relocation spots for 69 stepside Howdy errbody. I am looking to relocate the battery on my 1969 GMC stepside. Also, it is a short bed. The goal is to move weight off of the front end, so anything behind the front wheels would be an improvement. Originally I thought about mounting it to the firewall. I don't see a lot of people doing that. I've also seen them mounted inside the cab behind the seat. I'm not sure about that. I don't know if sealed batteries have to be vented. Ideally, it'd be down low and between the front and rear wheels with reasonably easy access. I see people mounting them to their frames, but I think that's always on fleetsides. Your suggestions are much appreciated.

07-19-2018, 03:15 PM	#2
BRL Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Tahuya WA Posts: 620	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside Surprised nobody replied to this yet, I would like to see any ideas out there too.

07-19-2018, 04:49 PM	#3
slowcpe Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 1,774	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside While I haven't actually done this yet, my plan is to mount on the frame just behind the rear tire on the passenger side. It "should" fit. __________________ Ryan 1967 Red Stepside..."Laymond" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...40#post6441840 1972 Medium Olive SWB-Chester http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=759628 1967/71 Blue SWB C10..SOLD 1977 SWB K10..my grandpa's.....never should have sold

12-13-2018, 09:25 PM	#4
Dagobah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: shreveport, louisiana Posts: 28	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside Kind sir, I scanned through your two truck threads to see if you had any pics. Any progress on your battery relocation?

12-13-2018, 11:01 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside These are not mine but off the internet for idea's. Just remember the further you mount it away from the motor the bigger gauge cables you should use. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-13-2018, 11:47 PM	#6
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside An internet search for "67-72 chevy truck battery relocation" and clicking on images shows several location possibilities. If you add "kit" at the end you get some mounting kits for relocating the battery. The stock location of the battery on these trucks is not the best area. I see a lot of corrosion on the hoods directly above the battery in many trucks. However, the concern I would have with relocating to the frame is water splashing on the battery terminals and maybe causing a short. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

12-14-2018, 09:32 AM	#8
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside As I prepare to fix ANOTHER rusted battery tray and inner fender well, I highly recommend getting away from lead acid batteries and going AGM. You can also mount an AGM battery at any angle. Have you looked at going to a lightweight battery instead of relocating it? I think some of the Odyssey batteries weigh around 10#? I am an Optima fanboy, but they don’t do anything to help you with weight. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

01-31-2020, 10:49 PM	#9
Dagobah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: shreveport, louisiana Posts: 28	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside Going with a lightweight battery would probably be the most straight-forward way to go. The other idea I was thinking about was putting the battery in the toolbox, but here's the catch: The toolbox I'll have in the truck was hand-made by my grandpa who bought the truck new. Now I'm starting to think I shouldn't drill holes in it. I don't know.

01-31-2020, 11:46 PM	#10
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: battery relocation spots for 69 stepside Put it on the step



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