Battery hold down for '37

[thebeebe5]

Didn't find one in the battery box and I do't want to have new battery bouncing around under there. Don't see one listed at Bernbaum (cant even access shoping from my mobile device this am) and am wondering.... What year range would be common to my car? Should I just make one assuming modern battery dimensions will be different anyways.... I have the resources to make anything I need if needed.

[desoto1939]

If I remember correctly your battery is under your front seat on the drivers side, correct?  My 39 Desoto has this setup location for my 6 volt battery.  I am currently using a modern hold down bracket that I purchased at a local auto supply store.  The bracket might have to have a bend in it to  fit across the top of the battery to  get between the caps. If the battery is in the floor no one will see the hold down bracket.

 

Sometime you also see plastic brakets that can also be used to hold the battery in place. I like the plastic because of less chance to conduct electricity.

 

Search on ebay for hold down brackets.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[thebeebe5]

If I remember correctly your battery is under your front seat on the drivers side, correct?  My 39 Desoto has this setup location for my 6 volt battery.  I am currently using a modern hold down bracket that I purchased at a local auto supply store.  The bracket might have to have a bend in it to  fit across the top of the battery to  get between the caps. If the battery is in the floor no one will see the hold down bracket.

 

Sometime you also see plastic brakets that can also be used to hold the battery in place. I like the plastic because of less chance to conduct electricity.

 

Search on ebay for hold down brackets.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

Yes.  Under the seat in an "enclosed" metal box.  Definitely do not want it bouncing around in there.  I'll check to see what Autozone has available.  Ought to measure the battery too I bet.

[BobT-47P15]

Did that model provide one hold down like a long bolt fixed in place?      Or do you have to

provide both sides of the hold down?     There are numerous configurations of hold downs

for older cars........sometimes you have to look in various places to see those styles.  I would

suggest checking on eBay and the internet too.

[thebeebe5]

Did that model provide one hold down like a long bolt fixed in place?      Or do you have to

provide both sides of the hold down?     There are numerous configurations of hold downs

for older cars........sometimes you have to look in various places to see those styles.  I would

suggest checking on eBay and the internet too.

Thanks Bob.  Not sure what came originally on the car.  Right now there is a threaded rod on either side of the battery sticking up a bit taller than the battery.  Looks like a traditional type of hold down would have been installed, but of course I really haven't seen one so am just guessing.

[deathbound]

I have a '38 Plymouth Coupe, nearly identical to yours. I have the stock battery box with an 1/8" flat bar bent for a hold down, because I converted the car to 12V & the battery is to big for the stock cover. I have the stock cover, which is missing the inspection plate, which I may use in the future when I get a new battery that fits a bit better. If you need pics, let me know & I will snap a few and post them.

[BobT-47P15]

Thanks Bob.  Not sure what came originally on the car.  Right now there is a threaded rod on either side of the battery sticking up a bit taller than the battery.  Looks like a traditional type of hold down would have been installed, but of course I really haven't seen one so am just guessing.

Here is a picture of the pretty much square hold down for a 6V battery in a 47 Plymouth.  There is a fixed threaded rod attached to the inner fender well

and a removable threaded rod with hook on one end for the side closest to the engine.  A washer and nut go on each rod to complete the hold down process.

As you can see, the loops are offset, one toward the front, the other toward the rear. 

 

If you can't find just the right exact item......there are lots of ways you can make something workable.

 

[thebeebe5]

I have a '38 Plymouth Coupe, nearly identical to yours. I have the stock battery box with an 1/8" flat bar bent for a hold down, because I converted the car to 12V & the battery is to big for the stock cover. I have the stock cover, which is missing the inspection plate, which I may use in the future when I get a new battery that fits a bit better. If you need pics, let me know & I will snap a few and post them.

that might be helpful. Thank you!

[Lloyd]

I had purchased this off eBay a while back:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Tray-1935-1941-DeSoto-Packard-Plymouth-Dodge-Nash-1936-1937-1938-1939-/371219550937?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=%252BPRiTabANiRtiUIZ9izPz1nToyA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[deathbound]

that might be helpful. Thank you!

I'll get a few pics in a day or 2. The stock battery cover for my car is definitely different than the one in the ebay link above.

[bones44]

Just make a crossbar and coat it or put a piece of heater hose over it. my 37 coupe has never had a hold down since I have owed it

[thebeebe5]

I had purchased this off eBay a while back:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Tray-1935-1941-DeSoto-Packard-Plymouth-Dodge-Nash-1936-1937-1938-1939-/371219550937?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=%252BPRiTabANiRtiUIZ9izPz1nToyA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Interesting Lloyd.  This is a hold down?  Link mentions "tray". 

[deathbound]

Looks like bones44 beat me to the pics, though his cover looks deeper than mine (at least in the pic). Here are a few more:

 

**EDIT**-per my 1936-1942 Plymouth Master Parts List book....1936-1940 are the same part#....731270 without radio, 846965 with radio.

Edited July 25, 2015 by deathbound

[Young Ed]

Anyone know why its different with radio???

[Furylee2]

That's what I was wondering? The battery cover on my 37 sedan seems much taller.

[T120]

This is a photo of the battery cover for a 1937 Chrysler Royal - battery located under the front seat .The height including the inspection cover is close to 4 3/8 ".