Battery Location

My '78 IM has the battery located at the rear in the engine compartment (as recommended in the original build manual).

However, I am considering moving it to the front, except there is not enough depth in the 'spare wheel'location for a battery. This would require cutting a hole and inserting a fibreglass/plastic battery case (marine probably).

Has anyone done this before? Any advice?

Thanks

RJC

I put my battery up inside the front fender, Just behind the passenger headlamp. It is out of sight and a neat hiding place.

Barry, do you have any pictures of that setup? I would love to get the battery out of the trunk to free up some more space.
-mike

Can anyone please tell me where they - or the company who made their speedster - ran the positive battery cable from the front of the car to the starter? I have relocated the battery from the engine compartment to the trunk (created a sunken fibreglass box for the battery) and wonder what is the best route to take for the positive cable.

Thank you in advance, of course.

My Battery + cable runs inside the car on the drivers side near the seat rail. Follows the seat rail and goes up into the back via a hole in the back near the bottom of the tub....

Mike: Thanks. I wasn't sure if I should run it through the cabin or under the pan.

LINK to hidden battery pic.http:home.eartlink.net/~oldyelerbh2

Look in the kit car file

Have you checked out the small dry cells like the Oddessey batteries? I put mine where a regular one wouldbn't fit. The dimensions are something like 3" X 9" X 7". They are built to mil-stds.

Just a suggestion.

Mike

Robert,

My 88 CMC 57 Sppedster has its battery located in the forward portion of the front trunk. The area was clearanced forming a "Female Cavity" that allows a "Battery Box" to fit this location. My Battery is also a "Gell-Filled Battery" which is smaller then the "Standard Group Size" Battery most often utilized.

My Positive Cable is loombed under the drivers Door/body under the Pan and is positioned periodically with "insulated hangers/fasteners" then enters the engine bay #3 Valve Cover and then follow's the contour of the body terminating behind the L/R Tail Light Assembly.

Good Luck,

Jack Blake

Thanks for everyone's contribution to my original question. I ended up (because an early IM did not have any recess in the front of the trunk) cutting a hole and inserting a fibreglass battery box. I then ran the positive cable through the front suspension and 'firewall', along the passenger side of the shift tunnel (inside the cabin, under the carpets), and out the back of the tub right to the starter. I picked up an assortment of rubber grommets for all the holes I had to drill.

I have been getting my feet wet on this car by doing some minor projects: two speed windshield wipers, low/high beam wiring (with a traditional foot operated dimmer switch), engine lid stay, and now re-locating the battery. Not big projects, but enjoyable all the same, and a great way to unwind.

RJC

Might consider leaving the battery in the forward position as the Speedsters are at a los for weight in the front and under a hard turn / acceleration you tend to find the car "plows" a bit I have added 40 - 50 lbs of dead weight to Speedsters to increase the front end response.

Alan Merklin