[mrrman]

I have a side mount battery post mount in in 87 TA and I hate it. Is there a way to change it to a top mount post style? What is involved?

Thanks

[TransAmer99]

First, you've gotta make sure there is clearance for a top post battery. Most battery stores want to look up and sell you the battery closest to what the factory put in. But you can basically use any battery that fits (smaller is better) that has the same cold cranking amps rating.

The side posts actually resist corrosion better as the moisture that collects on top post batteries contributes to its formation. I'm guessing you find it a hassle to disconnect and reconnect the side posts in limited spaces. There is a 5/16" ratchet tool (box wrench style) that makes quick work of things. I use one at indoor car shows that require a battery disconnect to satisfy the Fire Marshal. It has a thick rubber coating on the handle to prevent arching.

http://www.tooltopia...gn=shopzilla_r1

http://www.tooltopia.com/_img/KAS/KASB10A.jpg

However, it you insist on top posts, the best thing is to replace your cables. There are inexpensive adaptors to do the conversion, but they leave a great deal of exposed metal (corrosion again) and may require some re-routing of the cables if they don't reach.

http://www.ronshomea....htm?Click=7805

[WHITE-68]

TransAmer99, on 25 January 2011 - 05:21 AM, said:

First, you've gotta make sure there is clearance for a top post battery. Most battery stores want to look up and sell you the battery closest to what the factory put in. But you can basically use any battery that fits (smaller is better) that has the same cold cranking amps rating.

The side posts actually resist corrosion better as the moisture that collects on top post batteries contributes to its formation. I'm guessing you find it a hassle to disconnect and reconnect the side posts in limited spaces. There is a 5/16" ratchet tool (box wrench style) that makes quick work of things. I use one at indoor car shows that require a battery disconnect to satisfy the Fire Marshal. It has a thick rubber coating on the handle to prevent arching.

http://www.tooltopia...gn=shopzilla_r1

http://www.tooltopia.com/_img/KAS/KASB10A.jpg

However, it you insist on top posts, the best thing is to replace your cables. There are inexpensive adaptors to do the conversion, but they leave a great deal of exposed metal (corrosion again) and may require some re-routing of the cables if they don't reach.

http://www.ronshomea....htm?Click=7805

You can also convert the side screw terminals to regular post's, they sell a screw on adapter to go on your battery.. You will still need to change the ends of the cables if you do so.. There is a size difference in the ends as well.. Positive posts are larger, so you have to buy a - neg and a +pos terminal clamp. When changing or doing maint. on batteries always disconnect the -neg terminal 1st then the pos. and re-install +pos 1st then -neg. If you find you do have clearance for a top post Battery, and still want to make that swap, you may need longer cables, keep that in mind.. But please remember to always disconnect the NEG 1st..

[Injuneer]

I have a lightweight/compact Braille battery in my 4th Gen, and it came with top post terminals, and adapters so I could attach my side terminal connections without changing them.

http://www.injuneer.com/images/photos/Engine/Braille.jpg

[mrrman]

Thanks for the replies everyone