Battery pad?

[Frodge]

I had pans redone last year. Do you folks have your battery on one of those pads in between the pan and battery? Do you use anything in case of leakage?

[Frodge]

Also, should there be a retainer for the battery?

[Frank Bassman]

There are plastic "bins" for that purpose... Not just a VW thing.
There was a clamp from the factory.... But after my floor pan change I just never got around to installing it.

5 years later I have no issues... Batter fits nice and snug in the area, where is it going to go right? You would probably be ok without the clamp...unless you're a duke boy jumping levees and the like in your bug.... I drive mine every day with no clamp and after 5 years I don't have a problem for what it's worth.

-Frank

[Frodge]

Is there a source for one of thosnplastic bins?

[60ragtop]

battery pad is a no no. just go and buy a plastic container the size of your battery or cut down a plastic jug that fits.
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Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
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[Q-Dog]

[67rustavenger]

Battery clamp looks like this. This example is from a bus, but the principle is the same. The difference is that on a beetle the stud that the clamp goes on is welded to the pan and you just have to use a nut and washer to secure it in place.

Good Luck.
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[Cusser]

[Tim Donahoe]

In 1967, just east of Gallup, New Mexico, the dink who was driving his bug, fell asleep at the wheel. I was also asleep, but I wasn't driving. The car went into the median and flew high into the air. When it came down, the loose battery ejected and sprayed its contents throughout the cabin. Fortunately, the back seat was filled up with all kinds of stuff to absorb most of the acid. But not all.

I still have a belt that I was wearing during this single-car accident. It has a solid brass Triumph motorcycle buckle--and a battery-acid scar on the back of the leather ... to match the battery-acid scar on my back.

The car was totaled, I only got a broken collar bone and a week in the hospital, due to surgery to fix the break. So, lesson learned about wearing a seat belt.

But that scar on my back could have been avoidable. A cheap battery hold-down clamp was all that was necessary to prevent it.

Why take chances? You never know when the shit might hit the fan ... or something else that doesn't wash off as easily.

Tim
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Richard O'Brien

[Frodge]

I know some are saying to cut a box out. What are most of you doing? Any alternatives? I just have shiny new pans and want to keep them that way. Tell me what you're doing to prevent corrosion to the pan under the battery. Is cutting a bucket the only option? Is there anywhere to buy a bucket that fits perfectly in the area if thisns in fact the only option.

[67rustavenger]

I don't know what you mean by "bucket". But you can try a marine supply store and see if they have a battery box/tray that might suit your needs.
Good Luck.
EDIT: You can look at some place like camping world as well for battery box ideas.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[Frodge]

What do you use?

[sb001]

This was the battery box I bought and cut down for use in the car. Problem is pretty much any battery box you buy is going to be too big and end up rubbing against the insulation surrounding the heater y-pipe, mine got worn down so badly I had to buy new insulation, so I ended up removing the box and am running without it now. I don't see why that's any big deal, though I have considered one of those battery pads--I'd like to hear why it's a no-no.
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1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[67rustavenger]

[Frodge]

I think the pads are OK if you check frequently. If it fills with acid it just becomes like a sponge I guess. A better question is has anyone had leakage of a battery in the last 10 years? Is it as common now as it was on older batteries 40-50 years ago.

[vamram]

I just replaced a 3.5 year old battery that must've been leaking because there was a pile of battery acid dust at the base by the positive terminal. Had to clean all that up of course. So yes they can leak.
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[Frodge]

And it got all over the pan?

[busdaddy]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/blkfloatbtm.php?clickkey=36572
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[Tim Donahoe]

A layer of Arm & Hammer baking soda won't hurt, either.

Tim
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Richard O'Brien

[Frodge]

Right onto the floor?