Re: battery size and holder

Posted by Marco on September 10, 1998 at 02:39:09

In Reply to: battery size and holder
posted by James Shotwell on September 08, 1998 at 22:53:32

I to am confused regarding the four long bolts.The carrier should have two long studs for the battery hold downs.
As mentioned, the group-1 battery is smaller than the original but the largest modern battery that will fit in the carrier.Even the reproduction Ford battery is slightly smaller than the original.The Original would probably not fit in a reproduction carrier.
You didn't say (or remind us) what year yout "A" is.Initially the hold down was a square frame with forged corner clamps that hold the frame down.In late '28 it was changed to a frame with two mounting holes and no clamps.In '30-31 the frame was replaced with stamped steel corner clamps.The modern replacement corner clamps are poor and require modification or creativity to prevent them from tilting off the battery.
For general use the best option is the single piece frame you were considering.It will stabilize the undersize battery sufficiently.
For general curiosity and a better understanding of changes and differences in the various years and models, I highly recommend a copy of the "Judging Standards & Restoration Guidelines" I added the details of the battery hold downs to the Judging Standards nearly ten years ago.Although it will never be perfect, it is the most comprehensive and accurate documentation of details and changes that occurred throughout production of the Model 'A'.It's not just for people that want to show their cars.It's for people that want to know about their cars