Rotted battery box

[Zoro]

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?

[AMC of Houston]

Kennedy American sells a repop for $39.    (614) 879-7283

[IowaEagle]

Yes get a repop. 

[Zoro]

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.

[IowaEagle]

Yes, that happens too.  Need to patch that up before you put a new one in.   As you know those batteries are heavy.

[Amc1320]

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

[1985amceagle]

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.

[carnuck]

I put a Group 24 in mine. Had to flatten the edge of the tray.

[Zoro]

I'm running a group 24 in ZoroII with no mods at all.

BUT

Anyone have photos of how you did your repairs?

[IowaEagle]

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.

[TLC87Eagle]

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.

[IowaEagle]

24 fits my Eagle.  Just a very close hood clearance so you may want to consider an insulating material, just in case.

[Zoro]

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.

[carnuck]

I have the York compressor and it fits fine.