Relocating the Battery on a TC

[Rick Waters]

Every winter, I somehow find myself with a mad desire to write some checks, also known as "improving" my TC. This winter, I'm interested in fabricating a mounting system to be located under the rear tonneau floor, somewhat like the dual mounting bracket for the twin batteries of the TA/TB. I plan to mount a single 12 V battery on the driver's side of the car, and a metal box (surplus ammo box) on the other side.

If any of you have already gone down this road, let me know of your experiences. I'm interested in making sure the driveshaft is still easily serviced, whether the battery cable presented any issues, and so on.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Gene Gillam]

Rick,

Take a look at http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/kofferraum.htm.

Walter used that area for extra storage so access shouldn't be a problem. You should use welding cable to run the 12 volts to your starter though to prevent voltage loss...that's quite a long run.

[dirk w dondorp]

If I remember well, sometime long ago, there was a drawing of these compartments in the forum .Don' t ask me where and wenn...
Dirk

[Bob Grunau]

trying out this new fangled system. Rick, easy to do, I did it on my race TC using a TA type holder and location. . But I put the battery on the LHS of the car, away from the exhaust and also for better weight distribution in the race car. Also good for road use as I'm significantly heavier than my long suffering spouse, so she gets the extra weight on her passenger side. Bob Grunau

[Rick Waters]

I've got a picture of a TA chassis, but the detail ain't great. Sounds like putting the battery on the Left is a better idea, so I'll do that. Probably make a frame out of 1 inch angle iron, and go over the frame rails on each side, then have a 'hoop' section welded up to go under the driveshaft. The shaft should still come out for service, as long as you can get a wrench on the flange bolts.

It will be good to get the weight of the battery off the scuttle, and the extra storage will be welcome.

Thanks for the tips. If I manage to get this done, will post photos.

[Dominic Crawley]

Hi Rick, I don't know how to post photos to this forum. I tried sending some to your listed email but it bounced back. Send me your email address to djcrawley@sympatico.ca and I will email photos to you.

[Steve Simmons]

Dominic, click the "Full Editor" button below. On the full editor screen, scroll down to the Attach Image area. Browse for your file, optionally add a comment, and click "Add the file".

[olson_gene]

I put the battery on the left, but I didn't do any welding. I bolted a plastic battery box (often used for boats, comes with a strap on lid which you don't have room to fit. available at NAPA, etc) to the frame rail. Easy and light.