Sure John, thats what this list is for.
There are two problems with batteries and their location in Spridgets. First
is that they leak or spill acid, particularly the old tar top type. If you
do not put an acid proof tray under the battery the acid will eat away the
bottom of the battery box/fire wall. "Trays" that are really 3/4 of a box
are better than just a dish type that the battery sits in. Second is that
even "sealed" batteries vent some gas which is also acid. While not as
serious as the first problem over time this will eat away the fire wall.
Because of the location of the battery it is rather hard to keep clean and
be sure that no acid has gotten under or behind the battery. We think the
cost of battery boxes (trays) and vent cover batteries are cheap compared to
the cost of removing and repairing a ruined battery box/firewall. Our car
has always had a battery tray. When the car was redone at 36 years of age
the only rust repair in the battery box/firewall area was two one inch long
rust lines where the top of the battery is close to the firewall.
Bob and Annice
1960 Sprite (Mk IV in disguise)
In a message dated 4/1/99 1:45:44 PM, JCulver@KCLH.com writes:
<< Would you mind explaining what the problem is? I'm a relative newcomer
with
a '59 Sprite that is currently under repair.>>
In a message dated 4/1/99 3:07:33 AM, RobertDuquette@Sympatico.ca writes:
<< What is a tar top battery as advertized in MOSS's Motoring magazine? Do
I
want one for that price, or would I rather have a modern battery? >>
Robert,
Unless you are going for a Concour car would suggest a current type battery.
You may want to consider the batteries that are used in certain BMW's for
instance that have a breather cover with a tube you can route under the
car.
Between a battery tray and a breather the firewall at the battery should no
longer be a problem. We use one made by Interstate. The extra cost is a
lot
cheaper than repairing the firewall/battery box.
Our 2 cents >>
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