AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Under the Hood & HVAC => Topic started by: Zoro on December 26, 2014, 02:45:41 AM

Title: Rotted battery box
Post by: Zoro on December 26, 2014, 02:45:41 AM
Getting the 85 ready to hit the road and I will need to build a new battery box as the current one is GONE.

What have you guys done for new battery boxes?
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: AMC of Houston on December 26, 2014, 04:37:09 PM
Kennedy American sells a repop for $39.    (614) 879-7283
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: IowaEagle on December 26, 2014, 08:25:13 PM
Yes get a repop. 
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: Zoro on December 27, 2014, 10:30:33 PM
Anyone have photos of the repops?

I believe the majority of my problem on this one is the actual unibody the tray sits on is rotted.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: IowaEagle on December 27, 2014, 10:39:27 PM
Yes, that happens too.  Need to patch that up before you put a new one in.   As you know those batteries are heavy.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: Amc1320 on December 27, 2014, 10:42:14 PM
Had that happen once before too, I pop riveted some sheet metal under the tray to fix where it was rotted away, fiberglassed it over top of that and painted it, then got the reproduction tray

Looked good as new after all that, lasted for years afterward till I sold the car
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: 1985amceagle on December 27, 2014, 10:56:04 PM
Quote from: IowaEagle on December 27, 2014, 10:39:27 PM
Yes, that happens too.  Need to patch that up before you put a new one in.   As you know those batteries are heavy.
and expensive at least in my area. they also don't seem to fit anything else besides jeeps.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: carnuck on December 28, 2014, 10:36:34 AM
I put a Group 24 in mine. Had to flatten the edge of the tray.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: Zoro on December 29, 2014, 12:47:23 AM
I'm running a group 24 in ZoroII with no mods at all.

BUT

Anyone have photos of how you did your repairs?
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: IowaEagle on December 29, 2014, 12:52:12 PM
I run a group 24 as well, no mods needed.   Less expensive than the OE type, which are hard to come by.  AMC used to use the 24's earlier on.  Watch the hood clearance as they are a bit taller.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: TLC87Eagle on December 29, 2014, 02:19:51 PM
I got a battery tray from Kennedy American that I still haven't put in yet. When I ordered they only had the larger size tray, which I like so that I can put a larger battery in.

I've been researching battery group sizes, and does the group 24 battery fit well with factory air and have hood clearance?

I've been considering either the 24F size battery or the 34R size which usually only come in AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which I would like for added power and durability. I have a cheap generic 26R battery right now that has been getting weak on cold morning starts, so I'm looking to change my tray and upgrade with a larger battery soon.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: IowaEagle on December 29, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
24 fits my Eagle.  Just a very close hood clearance so you may want to consider an insulating material, just in case.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: Zoro on December 29, 2014, 03:52:31 PM
Make sure your positive lead is towards the rear of the car and you'll be fine. There are a couple different group 24's where the top posts will be reversed side to side or front to back, mine are on the engine side, not the body side.
Title: Re: Rotted battery box
Post by: carnuck on January 03, 2015, 11:53:31 PM
I have the York compressor and it fits fine.