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NoDents
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 438
Location: So Cal
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 Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 8:43 pm Post subject: Battery Tray Replacement for a 71 |
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In going over the parts I've purchased over the last year or so I have found that the battery tray I have does not seem to match my needs (early tray/late car?).
Does anyone know of a source for new 71 battery tray sheet metal?
Thanks
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No Dents
1963 Bug - Sold in 1980
1966 Karmann Ghia Convertible - Stolen in 1988
1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible, resto/mod COMPLETED 10/2020 |
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myghiarocks
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2009
Posts: 143
Location: DFW area Texas
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c21darrel
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2009
Posts: 8211
Location: San Dimas
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VWTortuga336
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Joined: December 01, 2013
Posts: 125
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art_lessing
Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2014
Posts: 154
Location: Sacramento
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2018 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: Battery Tray Replacement for a 71 |
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| I think that for the most part anybody on here who is willing to put the extensive time and effort into fabbing up parts like these would never justify spending the money on buying the part from a fabricator. CIP1 has these battery trays too at a similar price point. I wish somebody would post a DIY thread about making these battery trays from scratch and installing them for those of us who like to tinker ourselves to no end. Replacing these seems like a huge common project. I have seen pictures from other posters that show repairs, but not a fab up and replacement from a flat sheet o metal. |
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Rome
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2004
Posts: 9653
Location: Pearl River, NY
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: Battery Tray Replacement for a 71 |
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The problem with most used Ghias that are being parted out is that they will suffer some corrosion of the battery tray from the acid leaking out the top cells and running down the side of the battery onto the metal. You may get lucky and find one being advertised that really does not have much corrosion, or surface corrosion only which can be much better than the rot-through holes in your own Ghia.
If you intend to use the fab panel made for early Ghias (thru 12/1963) on your '71, the depression would be hidden by the battery since you would normally position the battery on the left side of the engine on a '71. If you intend to use dual carburetors, moving the battery to under the right side of the rear seat would then expose the bare patch panel with its differently sized depression from that on the right side. And you'd have to cleanly remove the metal air cleaner pedestal from the right side also.
The left side of the engine compartment contained the battery from '66 on. Best of my knowledge, the rectangular depression under the battery is the same size from mid '64 model year thru end of production. Here's a shot of my late '64's area. The battery was still positioned on the right side of the engine in that year, along with the hook for the battery retaining strap.
If the rectangular shape truly is the same size in later years, it might be worth a try to cut a thick piece of plywood, say 1", the exact shape of the depression including the rounded corners. Clamp the plywood onto the new flat stock if starting from scratch, then with a bench vise press the block against the flat stock so that you form a similar depression. It's less than 1/8" deep. Then weld on a Beetle-style hold down hook from a generic Beetle battery tray patch panel, or transfer the one from your Ghia if its usable. |
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NoDents
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2017
Posts: 438
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:39 pm Post subject: Re: Battery Tray Replacement for a 71 |
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Well, I did purchase replacement sheet metal 6+ months ago, but now looking to "fit" it, it appears to be off by too much to proceed (I assume older Ghia tray is what I bought). I have a little less than an inch gap between the tray and the fender well.
The battery is being relocated to under the rear seat so not worried about the tray indentation as I will be dressing up the compartment with: 1) Aluminum, 2) Stainless Steel, 3) Chromed Sheet Metal, 4) something else pretty.
Most concerned about getting orginal fit. I'm replacing the rear portion of the engine compartment and the outside apron. Both lower rear fenders and under the tail lights. All this needs to fit together, hence my concern. I guess I can fab one from sheet metal since it will be covered with "something pretty" anyway.
I just wish someone made a replacement piece! I like NEW metal.
_________________
No Dents
1963 Bug - Sold in 1980
1966 Karmann Ghia Convertible - Stolen in 1988
1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible, resto/mod COMPLETED 10/2020 |
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c21darrel
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2009
Posts: 8211
Location: San Dimas
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