MTFCA Forum

I need to locate an early 20's battery carrier in the frame of my 1912 Touring. I would like to locate it (drill holes) in the frame rail at essentially the same location as done by Ford in the 20's. Can someone measure from the rear edge of the rear crossmember to the rearmost hole that mounts the battery carrier to the left side (looking forward) frame rail. Second question is what were used as the 3 fasteners to mount the carrier? castle nuts/cottered 5/16?

I cut out a "farm fix" battery carrier as my T had a starter added years ago by a PO.

Prudent to first locate where you will have access to remove and service the battery from the battery frame or its box.

If your body permits, then the factory location is just behind of the rear pressed steel running board bracket. The battery frame is mounted with bolts and nuts, cotters are good or for non-stock, use lock washers. Originals were sometimes riveted at two points to the frame, others bolted. One hole is of course for bolt as it also is the negative cable attachment.


As for drilling an early chassis to mount a later T battery box frame, one approach is to find a running board battery box, they were appropriate for early chassis when a storage battery was added. Did this on the '13 frame used for the '12 open express. The box rests on the running board, and an Optima 6v storage battery fits neatly. Lots of cold cranking amps for the starter.




This photo may help where to place the battery frame, note space from the forged running board bracket.

The three bolts are 3/8" fine - must be 1 & 1/4" or so in length. I mounted an original battery holder in our '14 - worked out just fine.

These may help.

I like Dan's running board battery box solution. I loathe drilling holes in original parts. The running board box can be mounted with no drilling. First bolt a wooden base to the running board using longer fender and running board bolts. Then use screws to fix the box to the wooden base.

Allan from down under.

Just FYI, you can fit a full size battery under the back seat. An Optima would also fit no problem with room to spare.

I favor the stock battery carrier but I have seen many with the battery under the back seat as Dan suggested. If you put it under the seat I recommend a sealed battery. I use a battery spec’d for a Miata as it is small and sealed, but it is 12 volt. Not a big fan of extra stuff in the running boards.


Andy

Thank you all for your posts and pictures. I have purchased an original T battery carrier that I will tune up and mount in the chassis. From pictures posted it looks like setting the muffler in place and positioning the carrier behind the rear running board support but forward of the muffler puts it about where Ford mounted it in the early 20's chassis.