Need Help with Type 48 Battery Install

[FL911SC]

I need a push or shove in the right direction.

Car is a 1979 911SC Targa.

I thought my old battery was bad. I did a lot of reading on the posts here and knew I didn't want to replace it with the stock sized Group 49. After looking over the batteries at my local parts store, I came home with a Group 48/H6 battery which I had read would fit.

I went to drop it in the car and quickly saw the terminal were backwards. I flipped the battery around, which puts the terminals facing outboard, but the cables should reach.

So here is where I am at:

• I was able to finally get the terminals clamped down on the battery. Because of the shape of the top of the battery and the battery post position, this was way more difficult than it ever should be.
  
• I pushed the battery against the rear mounting position, then finagled the bolt and clamp in, then tightened. To make sure the battery was snug, I gave it a lite shove and it felt right out of position.
  
• There are plenty of post here about battery types, alternate types, custom mountings, etc. However, I have no fabrication skills or tools for it, so I would like to avoid a custom solution, if possible (since what I have isn't working, I am guessing the answer will involve some short of fabrication work).
  
• The store will not take the battery back in exchange for a new one, so I am stuck with it.

So my request is for an idea for how to get the battery to stay put. I know pictures are worth a thousand words, so tell me what you need to see and I will get it.

If anyone has a picture of their Group 48 battery installed, that would help me out as well.

Starting pictures



Shows the tray. It is possible the fixed "clamp" that holds the back of the battery has been bent over the years?


Battery I am working with.



Shows the battery in the car. Note the terminal positions and how tricky it is to get the terminals on to the battery studs.

Thank you in advance.

[darrin]

looks like you're doing things right --

Are you replacing a non-standard (optima, etc.) sized battery? As far as the hold-down, you should be able to get a generic one at a FLAPS that should screw right into the recessed nut in the middle of your picture

the position of the battery terminals (closest to the side of the car) is standard/proper -- I suggest that you start by getting the positive terminal fully secured before attaching the negative terminal -- this way, since the battery isn't grounded to the car, tapping a wrench on the car while tightening the positive terminal clamp won't cause a short/shower of sparks