What battery are the Tbird owners using. Interstate apparently makes a "pure lead" replacement with vent caps leading to corrosion in and around the battery box and needs the cells routinely checked for water levels. The Tbird Parts outfits want a paltry 300 bucks for a sealed look-a-like, as does Batteries Plus. I am getting ready to fudge a Motorcraft into the Bird but it is going to look a little awkward.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

This is a way - for sure not the only way....excuse all of the wire - I built my own harness out of underhood rated wire and it took some fit-up work.....

One of the Mustang parts outfits..."Laurel Mt." (?) used to sell a '67 battery base and clamp kit for little money - like $15. I got the base, removed the riveted angle bracket for the '67 - built new base brackets to use the OEM bird holes in the firewall and fender liner. I used a master fuse too - made by "Blue Sea" a marine outfit - but now days you can get a similar unit from Summit or Jegs. 

http://www.laurelmountainmustang.com/products/1967-1970-mustang-battery-tray-kit

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I put a piece of 3/8" plywood in the bottom of the battery box so the sharp edges wouldn't cut into the battery case bottom, bought a $45 group 24F sealed battery, and a universal hold down.  Certainly not original, but serviceable in a driver for little money.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John.............Where did you find a sealed battery for only $45 ?

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Paul:

My local Rural King store, it's an Exide 60 month battery.  They were out the day I was there, but they have a 72 month for about $10 more.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Both In my 55 and 57 birds I have used interstate batteries with good success.

I can't read the # on the 57 batt. but it's close to the stock dimensions, looks correct, not a bad price, the# looks like? 01507501? It's rubbed off.

In my 55 I moved the Optima battery to the trunk. Gave me lots more room in the engine bay, as another option for you.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

For the time being I am going John's way. Motorcraft BXT24 with a black ABS plastic or something similar plate under the battery to get it off the side edges of the box. New cables and some paint should make it presentable.



Bird55,



I like the trunk mount set-up but wonder about the long cable needed to get back to the starter. What gauge cable would be needed to minimize the resistance for that far? I will be doing the front power disc brake conversion soon and leaving more room for the master cylinder, lines, combo valve etc. would be nice.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I bought the rear mount battery kit from summit or jegs, so that took some of the guesswork out of it. I think it is #1 size, but not sure.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Mark, good quality cable is readily available at most welding supply stores.  I used 00 gauge (referred to as "double aught") stranded copper welding cable.  Not cheap but low resistance, flexible and durable cover.  These shops also have good quality terminals to complete the installation.

Thanks John,

We don't have Rural King stores in my area,but I can look at Tractor Supply.They all carry about the same products.If all else fails,there is a Rural King in my home town in Illinois and next time I'm up there maybe I can find that battery.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO