Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Another option should anyone be inclined. It involved a not from the period battery (MTP-27) and slightly modifying the battery tray. After mods I then had the bat tray power-coated.

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Kev -

Although its been about a year since I parted ways with the GM dealer that I worked for (they subsequently went under), I believe that AC-Delco batteries are also made by Johnson Controls.

The formerly well-integrated GM once manufactured Delco batteries, but spun those operations off into Delphi, who later sold it to Johnson Controls.

I've also heard that Johnson makes batteries sold under the Motorcraft and Interstate brands - at other plants.

KevinAZ -

In every V8 Packard I've purchased, that edge of the stock battery tray had been beaten down with a hammer (or something worse) to accomodate a more modern battery, such as a Group 24. Not only was the workmanship lousy, that kind of work actually weakens the floor of the battery tray.

In each case, I returned the tray to stock form and obtained a battery that fit. However, since Group 60 is NLA, I will next be looking to a Group 29, which is what many battery applications catalogs now list for the 55-56 Packards and other cars that had Group 60 as OE.

However, if one must alter the tray, you did it the right way - with craftsmanship and forethought WRT both function and appearance.

Thank for showing what can be done with a little time and ingenuity!

Some other 12-volt battery options, and data for the Group 60 and 29. Data from the BCI. Not sure the 76 is still available, the 63 was, at least as of a year ago. Dimensions are L x W x H.

Group 60: 13-1/16 x 6-5/16 x 8-7/8
Group 29: 13 x 5-1/2 x 8-15/16
Group 63: 10-3/16 x 6-3/8 x 8-7/8
Group 76: 13-1/16 x 7/1/16 x 8-1/2

Group 29 about the limit for height without modifications to the battery box, it just barely clears the hood pad. There are others in the commercial truck/bus category that have nearly matching length and width, but are over 9 inches in height - these are the Groups 29H, 30H, and 31.

EDIT: The Group 24 is 6-13/16 wide.

Thanks again group for the info inflow!
BH, in keeping with the stories I been given about my '55, its battery tray looks virginal so I don't think that will be an issue.
Big Kev, your idea about the retainer is great, except that is about the only piece of OE that is missing. In the spare parts box there is a "bottom clamp" for a battery that I suspect is for a '56. It wouldn't be the first '56 part I've found in that box and it and all is up for grabs for any '56 owner who needs it.
I've tried a 24F which has the posts in the right spot but is too wide for the tray. I could live with it if I have to. But since gravity would be the only retainer, I'd like a battery that "sat down" a little better.
Keep 'em coming people; this is GREAT!

Jim

Jim, I will get the measurements and size off my battery this evening. I am not 100% sure the '54 Clipper battery tray and retainer are the same size as the 55 one or not. But I will measure that also for your reference.

Owen_Dyneto wrote:

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Really? The height shown for the Group 29, in your post above, is only 1/16" higher than the Group 60. However, in practical experience, I do know that actual dimensions vary a bit from the standard and between manufacturers. Yet, as the the Group 29 is commonly available (at least here in Pennsyltucky) now and we've had more than one report of success with that one, I'll try it.

Saw this link where you can buy battery trays

antique-tractor-parts.steinertractor.com/tractor/Tray

steinertractor.com/IHS866-rh-battery-tray

Jim -

I believe you'll find that the battery tray, holddown, and j-bolts are unique to the 55-56 cars. Holddowns and j-bolts were also missing from a couple of the V8s when I acquired them, but I had no trouble finding good used OE parts between Bob Stoltzfus (in PA) and Mike Dulinski (in MN). Surely someone on west coast will have same to sell.

The BCI dimensions show that length of the Group 29 is only 1/16" less than the Group 60 and width is only 13/16" less. Seems like the OE holddown should fit, but you could cut some spacers from scrap wood, glue in the corners of the underside if the holddown, if you really want to secure/center it.

Never heard of a bottom clamp for the battery in the 55-56 Packards, but my GM cars from the '70s used something like that.

BH and et al,

Yes indeed. Here is one example of such an assault upon a 55 battery tray. I cannot recall if it came off my parts Patrician or the 400 herself.

Thanks for the positive comments too.

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