Battery tray vs floor board removal

MickyD

MickyD

Senior Member
Has any one modified the battery tray or floorboard for easier removal of the battery on their model a roadster, etc?
 
I've seen other posts about installing a split floor board so all you have to do is take out the left side. Try searching battery tray access.
 
I bought a Model A in 2017 and was immediately frustrated with the battery access. The first modification I did was cut out a piece of flooring just larger than the battery and purchased a new battery with handles; now easy to remove the battery and charge if necessary. I did make a steel plate to cover the opening that is attached with six screws and lies under the floor mat. Quite frankly, a pleasure!!! I must add that I have a very nice Cabriolet and am not into competitions so for me the cut-out is not an issue. I feel that Henry and Edsel could have done better with the battery situation. Gary D.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I was considering cutting the floorboard and putting a plate over the hole. This was an afterthought as I had installed carpet today. I will pull up the carpet tomorrow and cut a hole, reinstall the carpet and install a metal plate and carpet the plate over the hole. More work than I was planning but should be worth it in the long run.
 
MickyD said:
Has any one modified the battery tray or floorboard for easier removal of the battery on their model a roadster, etc?
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Snyder's has just the kit you need to slit the bottom floorboard. I have one on my Town Sedan and it works great. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=977804&cat=41699

Removable section.
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ronn said:
or relocate battery to front firewall.........
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I wouldn't recommend that.
 
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How often are you all busy with a battery? Once every 3-5 years or longer depending on the battery you purchase. I don't really get it?
 
31Tudor said:
How often are you all busy with a battery? Once every 3-5 years or longer depending on the battery you purchase. I don't really get it?
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Some of us like to check the electrolyte level and clean the battery posts occasionally.You know, preventative maintenance? :rolleyes:
 
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Ruth said:
Some of us like to check the electrolyte level and clean the battery posts occasionally.You know, preventative maintenance? :rolleyes:
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I guess if you like to "tinker" with the battery, then removing the floor mat and 6 screws for the floor board isn't that big of a deal. I can see the water level and fill if I need to from the inspection plate. Maybe a removable panel on the side of the hood would be helpful to check the oil so you don't have to open the hood too. :D
 
31Tudor said:
How often are you all busy with a battery? Once every 3-5 years or longer depending on the battery you purchase. I don't really get it?
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I was thinking the same thing. I installed a battery kill switch, available from any auto parts store. The battery will not lose very much charge while being stored, and the generator will recharge the battery while you drive it.

eog
 
I have a cutoff switch on the ground side, but I have the charging harness pulled up to the engine compartment for easy access for the battery tender. Checking water level still needs to include lifting the mat and the plate.
 
my batteries all come out for the winter months, so I 2nd Garys suggestion that Henry could have done a better job. normal access is terrible.
 
Here's what I did and is sure is nice to be able to access this area quickly
 

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For the Tudor, I put pins instead of bolts in the front seat mounts. They come out easy and the seat can be taken out or slid back for more room to get at the battery.
 
I have never had to remove the battery except for major maintenance just to get it out of the way. Relocate to fire wall ?
 
How ever you get access to your battery, one of those battery lifters that attaches to the posts makes the actual lifting out a lot easier. I think they're available at most auto parts stores.
 
Katy, some of my As have old wiring. just not comfortable leaving them connected and with 4-5 months of non use- dont want to kill the batteries either. I put them in the basement and trickle chg.


bought a 39 buick once and transporter left battery connected. Half way across the country, seat spring hit battery terminals under it- car burnt to the ground......
guess Im over cautious
 
ronn said:
Katy, some of my As have old wiring. just not comfortable leaving them connected and with 4-5 months of non use- don't want to kill the batteries either. I put them in the basement and trickle chg.
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I put battery disconnects on my vehicles that sit all winter.
 
I use the removable section, for 8 years

I remove my battery for 'summer storage' as I leave each summer for 3 months.
 
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