The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Relocating Battery

I would like to relocate my battery from the traditional hiding spot under the cab and move it to the engine compartment this weekend when I install my new wiring harness on my 55.1. How difficult is it to move the battery location and are there any tips or secrets you guys could share?

Thanks,
Chris

Ya gotta love all that stuff under the floorboards like the battery and the master cylinder. I installed an MC on the firewall but decided to leave the battery under the floorboard, making my carpet semi-removable to get at the battery. The right side of the 54/55.1 firewall isn't exactly clean to locate a battery due to interference with heater hoses and the heater unit itself. But if you can find a location, you might want to look at the battery pan from a 1955 chev passenger car. The battery is located on the right side of the firewall and the pan (available as an aftermarket part from places like CCI) should be a relatively easy bolt-in.

You know you make a good point. I do like the nostalgia of the original location. If it works why fix it right. I believe I may just leave it.

Thanks,
Chris

And with todays maintenance free batteries you don't have to open the door under the mat that often. Just be sure to have good, clean connections, use the felt washers and the anti-corrosion spray. I open mine up once a year just to be sure it's still there.

I am looking at locating my battery on the right frame rail behind the running board splash apron. I saw this set up at a Goodguys event last year on a 53. The running board splash apron was hinged at the top to allow access to the terminals. I think one of the battery drop down boxes was used but I plan to use the stock battery tray on mine. No pictures yet other than those in my head.

This will improve weight distribution and get rid of the floor access problem.

I've always wondered what do you gain when the battery gets relocated into the engine compartment. With all do respect, in the engine compartment it seems kind of in the way . Do the cables get shorter with the battery there?

On out 1954 1/2 ton, the previous owner had moved the battery to the firewall next to the heater hoses. We are considering moving it back under the floor for a couple of reasons: 1 - makes the engine compartment look neater. 2 - modern batteries do not require nearly as much attention as the old ones. They basically are "maintenance free". If they act up, you take it back to the store and get a new one. Some come with pretty good warranties, so depending on how old it is, you might get a good discount on a new one. So my opionion is put it under the floor and forget about it.

Mine is under the floorboard and that's where it's gonna stay. :p