How to Secure Dual Batteries

[grizzfan]

The PO of my '73 911T had a big clunker of a battery just sitting unsecured on the driver's side next to the spare tire. That kept the charcoal canister from fitting correctly. So I purchased two Interstate U911 batteries which fit the battery boxes perfectly. (I wish I had purchased the Miata AGM batteries, but that's another story.)

The challenge is that the original "tie-downs" are missing and not available from our Sponsor. I think, however, I can use some plastic cutting boards and bolt them to the metal around the battery boxes about half way up the battery.

My question: Is the metal around the boxes sufficient to hold a bolt and what kind of hardware lash up would you suggest?

Thanks,

Tom

[RSTarga]

If you look inside the battery boxes, you can see a hook where the old straps went. There should also be a threaded hole in front of each box where the other end bolted. You could make up a couple of homemade steel straps to fir.
The original straps would of course be better, try stoddard or sierra madre if Pelican doesn't have them, strange they don't.

[grizzfan]

Thanks, I'll try that. Pelican only had one part of the two part straps, the other being NLA.

Tom

[RD911T]

Stoddards has one $33.99:

Never mind, tried to link it, I guess that's a no-no.

[cmcfaul]

I made one that work nicely. used a one foot, stainless steel ruler available at any home improvment store. Bent the ends to fit. Works perfecly and does not look bad either.

Chris
73 911 E

[wgwollet]

BTW In warm climates and starts only need to purchase one Interstate battery, been running my 1973 for years with one battery.

[cmcfaul]

There is always a method behind the madness. I would not try to outsmart the smart German engineers. I have found that over time it will always bite you. Install both batteries and know it's right.

Chirs
73 911 E

[RSTarga]

I've been running my 73 on one AGM battery for 20 years, no problems yet. I think the factory was still trying to get as much weight as possible to the front corners to minimize crosswind instability. They had previously used weights in the front bumpers to do the same.
That said, if you have the 2 batteries and care about originality stay with 2.

[grizzfan]

I went with two batteries to try to get back to original. Upon closer inspection, the bottom portion of the OEM straps are there, but looking funky. Pelican has the top portion which I think are rubber, so that's an option. I saw Stoddard's hold down and that's another. About the same price in either case.

Thanks for your help. BTW, cmcfaul, how did you secure your stainless steel rulers, vertically or horizontally? And with what kind of screw, bolt or other device?

Tom