72tii battery options (with solution!)

[Ryan P]

Nearing the end of a 5 year project on a 72tii. I've read quite a bit on battery options. As you may be aware, this battery tray is considerably shorter than a non tii in order to make room for the larger brake booster. I've seen many people relocate the battery, but in my quest for all things original, I needed it crammed into it's original corner between the massive airbox and brake master cylinder.

 

That said, the hunt began for a battery of not only the correct size (a simple task), but a battery with the "feet" (or flange, or lip) on the correct (short) side of the battery's case. The short side of the battery must have these feet, and they need to be at the very base. In looking through a few dozen pictures, and with search help from some local friends, there seemed to be two readily available options.

This Valucraft 26R-VL shows the rear of the battery, with the foot in the correct location. Unfortunately, the foot is too high for the OEM clamp.

 

 

So I moved to a $209 Super Start 99EXT from O'Reilly. (LxWxH is 210/175/175 in mm) Unfortunately, with the battery pushed forward, the OEM clamp was really close, but would not reach.

 

So I took the OEM part, and made the clamping portion about 0.400" longer.

 

Now she's clamped down.

 

Just thought I'd post this in case anyone else had run into this and was looking for a solution. I made 10 of them and have 6 left. Free plus shipping if anyone could use one. I will also send out the CAD file if anyone is interested in making their own, as I do not plan on producing another run of these once they are gone. They are clear zinc coated HRPO steel. To be very clear, this is just the sheet metal portion of an OEM clamp. You'll need to provide your own OEM threaded rod and washer. Hope this helps someone.

 

Edited December 12, 2023 by Ryan P
duplicate photo removed

[Ryan P]

5 remaining

[Ryan P]

4 remaining

[Ryan P]

3 remaining

[Ryan P]

1 left

[2002#3]

I will be happy to provide the last one a sound, safe, and happy home.  PM sent

Larry

[Ryan P]

OK that’s the last one. If anyone wants the CAD file later on to make another run of these, let me know.

[2002#3]

Thanks, Ryan.  Your new product seems to work quite well.  

 

Long ago, I used epoxy to add an extension to my thingy to achieve the same result as using your one-piece.  It worked quite well.  Now, yours keeps the battery securely in place, the clamped area is more visually appealing, and I don't have to be concerned about my thingy coming apart.

 

Photos:  ours, mine, and yours, respectively

 

[DTZ]

Hi, I have the same issue. I fould a battery that leave about 1/2 gap to the metal flange and foot paret of the battery. how thick is your sheet metal? is it plated?

Thanks,

Jim