I put one of Archies battery trays in and i know that you can still use the stock spare, but I could not find out how to put the spare in with the battery installed. Anyone got and info, do I need to cut some of the plastic off the top of the spare tire well? I tried to call Archie but I think he was closed by the time I called and I'd like to get the spar in for the weekend. any help is much appreciated

Ant

I didn't use Archie's Box but I used something similar. I had to exchange batteries a year or so ago and just now put my spare tire back in a week or so ago. I had to take the battery out, slip the tire in then lift the tire up and towards the windshield and slip the battery back in behind the tire, then connect the cables blindly. It works, but I do plan on getting a smaller battery some day (probably have to be a red top).


Yes the battery is in there



Good luck,

Dan

[This message has been edited by DanFiero (edited 04-25-2008).]

Dan,

thanks i'll try that, that thought had occured to me. i know that archie's paper work did say to use a stock battery and i think that mine is stock size, i looked up what size they take i think it said a group 75 and thats what i have so thouht that maybe it would work a little easier but i can deal with it. thanks again

Ant

I have Archie's battery box, Yes it is a tight squeeze. I have an Optima battery now and it works out fine. I did not have to trim anything. Just kind of have to wiggle it in. The rounded corners of the Optima batteries does make it a little easier, But I had a stock size battery originally and it wasn't too hard.

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quote Originally posted by Oreif: I have Archie's battery box, Yes it is a tight squeeze. I have an Optima battery now and it works out fine. I did not have to trim anything. Just kind of have to wiggle it in. The rounded corners of the Optima batteries does make it a little easier, But I had a stock size battery originally and it wasn't too hard.

Did you also have to hook the battery up after you installed the spare tire?
Ant

I'm sure you know, but be careful that your battery terminals do not hit the metal of the spare tire.

quote Originally posted by CoryFiero: I'm sure you know, but be careful that your battery terminals do not hit the metal of the spare tire.

I have my battery facing the front so the terminals don't point towards the spare tire. It does kind of scratch the box a bit, but then with the tire in no one can see.

Dan

quote Originally posted by DanFiero: I have my battery facing the front so the terminals don't point towards the spare tire. It does kind of scratch the box a bit, but then with the tire in no one can see. Dan

Install it hallow side out/ up.

When you say "hollow side up" you mean toward the windshield or toward the battery? i thougt that it went toward the battery
Ant

quote Originally posted by Ants87gt: When you say "hollow side up" you mean toward the windshield or toward the battery? i thougt that it went toward the battery Ant

windshield

quote Originally posted by Indiana_resto_guy: windshield

There is no way the tire will fit over the battery that way, I haven't tried it, but the rim would be sitting on the battery then wouldn't it?? You need the hollow side of the spare to fit over the battery.

[This message has been edited by DanFiero (edited 04-27-2008).]

You can trim a piece of the front tub back to gain the clearance you need. I don't have a pic but its the lip that sticks out near the blower motor. I also did not use Archies but the concept is the same.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 04-27-2008).]

I usally hook the battery up then set the spare on the battery then reach a cpl of finger thru the tire hole and pull the battery up a little and let them drop at the same time seems to go smooth everytime. Once you do it once its not as bad as it sounds.

quote Originally posted by Oreif: I have Archie's battery box, Yes it is a tight squeeze. I have an Optima battery now and it works out fine. I did not have to trim anything. Just kind of have to wiggle it in. The rounded corners of the Optima batteries does make it a little easier, But I had a stock size battery originally and it wasn't too hard.

Does Archie's box require relocation of front brake line? It goes right pass on the other side.

Yes the brake line is in the way but there was plenty of line to rebend and massage it out of the way of the battery box, just be real careful not to kinck the line. i just use my thumbs and gentlelly curve it out of the way.
Ant

Where are you guys getting your cable from?

I made my own box by folding sheet metal... I used 4 gauge wire but I dont think its good enough :s I have hot start problems...

I hear of some people using welders cable or something? I dont even think I have the tools to crimp the ends... where can I get the proper lengths with the proper gauge from?

I price shoped my wire from Napa and carquest (i have a shop and do business with both and have discounts) and it was still cheaper to go to a welding supply store and by #2 welding wire. I think it was like 1-1.50 cheaper per foot then at napa. as for the cable ends most parts stores have the ends and can clamp them on for you. I think i got 9 feet per cable and that was just perfect for each.

Ant