I was wondering if anyone knows of a good way to secure the battery so it doesn't move around so much, I have the battery tray but it's still super lose and I autocross the car and it's an issue.
I have that, maybe I'm not doing it correctly but it still has a ton of play with that
The original tray should capture the battery base both front and rear. If you don't get the battery under the front catch, the rear 'hold down' will not help you. Use a Group 75 battery and trap it on both sides of the base and it's not going to go anywhere. Fiero battery trays rust easily...make sure yours is all there.
The original tray should capture the battery base both front and rear. If you don't get the battery under the front catch, the rear 'hold down' will not help you. Use a Group 75 battery and trap it on both sides of the base and it's not going to go anywhere. Fiero battery trays rust easily...make sure yours is all there.
On a stock car, you have the metal catch up front, and the plastic block at the rear.
What keeps the battery from shifting left-right? Do you just clamp down hard enough, or is there some separate piece I haven't seen?
Friction! The rubber block is at an angle. When the bolt is tightened, it not only pushes the edge of the battery down, but it also pushes and jams the battery up against the other side of the tray. On a solid non-rusted out tray, a correct sized battery is quite secure.
Of course, the best place for the battery is up front... but that's another topic.
Oh, you mean that plastic shield that helps to keep heat off the battery. I thought you were referring to a plastic tray that sits under the battery, like a tub.
Oh, you mean that plastic shield that helps to keep heat off the battery.
A heat shield made out of plastic? That would be a surprise. I think they wanted to trap the power cables away from belts and pulleys, and prevent battery movement sideways......but who knows.
The plastic "Wall" to the left of the battery is double-walled so it definitely is for heat protection.....It has air flow up thru it to help dissipate the heat from the engine.
The plastic "Wall" to the left of the battery is double-walled so it definitely is for heat protection.....It has air flow up thru it to help dissipate the heat from the engine.
Yes, Fiero/GM battery trays lock both sides of battery base. And won't move "sideways" related to the "clamps" points either when have right size and type of battery and tray is in good shape.
It helps to install a battery make sure: metal "clamp ear" is good and no crap stuck under. Put battery in and push into the metal ear. Put plastic block and bolt in but don't final torque the bolt. (some cars let you to pull/install battery w/o completely removing these parts but easier to remove most times. Plus can clean etc the bolt at same time.) Find/make a "wedge" or tool to push the block tight to the battery. then torque the bolt.
There is no "torque spec" for mounting hardware in FSM. Needs careful tightening so won't move but don't go so tight plastic warps etc.
Also OE bolt is made for this job w/ most have a big thick captive washer. The washer is so big it hinds most to all of the slot in the plastic block and even a lot of block too.
Many are missing the OE bolt and block won't hold right w/o the big washer to spread out the loads. If missing just go to junk yard and get some bolts w/ blocks. GM use same mounting on Millions of vehicles so shouldn't be hard to find.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Closeup of mounting hardware. Is Not a "self-threaded" bolt tho looks like one. Just so fools won't strip the parts. Plastic block doesn't mater which way up. Can be easier w/ smooth side up because washer may have trouble adjusting to battery case.
Bat Tray can rust out for 2 main reasons... Salt in winter or live near Ocean. Battery/Alt had problems and acid leaked out. Can have either or both. If you think had acid leaking... Must check/fix frame and plumbing under it. Hard Brake line & T under there and Fuel line(s) depending on Year.
Originally posted by pmbrunelle: Can any BCI group 75 battery be properly secured with the Fiero clamp setup?
Or does one have to be careful in selecting among the available group 75 batteries for one with bottom lips of just the right size?
All "real" Group 75 and related have correct bottom design to work in GM vehicles w/ this mounting setup.
Most brands for North America are made by either Johnson Controls or Exide for Decades. So you have less problem buying a battery to fit any OE mounting. (JC was sold to Brookfield Business Partners LP just last year and Middletown DE Battery Plant is to close in 11/2020 after got violation notice from DNREC, state's "EPA", in 01/2020.) See my Cave, Battery
Some batteries may come w/ "adapters" on the battery base to fit X group size but Do Not use the adapters on any car w/ base mounting. Those only work w/ fixed top mount setup that need correct height.
