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MG MGB Technical - Varta B35/36 in Plastic battery Box

I have searched the archives, I may have missed it as there is loads there about batteries, but has anyone managed to get a Varta B35 ( 175mm x 175 mm ) in the plastic battery box Part number GAC4096X. My metal battery tray is not in the best condition so using the plastic box might provide a cost effective simple solution

I am getting conflicting advice from suppliers do so some real world experience would be handy

thsnks

Mike
Mike Dixon

Confused... is this your midget, a twin battery B or a single battery B?

I use a Varta B36 in my twin battery B and there is plenty of space for it - no idea about the battery box liner, but I wouldn't rely on that to hold the battery if the box is weak!
Chris at Octarine Services

My vehicle profile needs updating - its for a 73 BGT!

The plastic box is self supporting - it does not touch the metal battery frame, and is strong enough to support the battery - at least the suppliers agree on that!
Mike Dixon

I wouldn't like to rely on that plastic lip to support the weight of a battery going over significant bumps. They are not even intended for batteries anyway, but to use as a cubby in the 'spare' battery compartment when changing from twin 6v to single 12v. By the time you have cut holes for the restraints and the cables I don't see the point, and who is fussed about the bottom half of the battery getting a bit dirty? The battery needs ventilation as well.
paulh4

Paul

Thanks-I did wonder but all of the 3 main suppliers I have talked to agree it can support the battery, and I am willing to give it a go- if the battery fits! As I say above my metal battery box could be better.

I think several have used them for 6v batteries, but I think the Varta is slightly larger? There is a lot of USA centered info on this In the archive but little if anything for UK Spec batteries in this role, so your views may be shared on this side of the pond!

I was planning on some ventilation ,- the cable entry and tie downs will go some way towards that and I planned on a couple more in the base.

It may fit but I wondered if the lip at the base of the battery required trimming which I have my doubts about doing.


Mike Dixon

The Varta B35/36 has basically the same footprint, although the lip may cause a problem.


Dave O'Neill 2

Trimming the battery could well impact any guarantee, which is another reason for not bothering with them as far as I'm concerned. I wonder if the suppliers would say in writing that it is suitable for supporting the battery when the cradle has rotted out ...
paulh4

Moss do - from their website:

Plastic Battery Boxes
These tough corrosion proof boxes simply drop into the existing battery hole on all MGB & MGC models. They are strong enough to support the battery even if the original steel frame has rotted away.

I will print that out!

Mike Dixon

Fairy nuff, but I'd still never use one.
paulh4

I removed the bottom fixing lip on my Varta, just so it sat further down. On the top I have used some thick rubber and that is held down with the battery cover. No movement and no chance of shorting out!
Colin Parkinson

These battery boxes seem rather dear for what is after all just a plastic moulding. Maybe they don't sell many of them and have to recoup their cost over a small production run.

I remember a while back somebody said these these were regular shaped plastic boxes available at DIY stores. Plant pots? I've relocated my battery (cheaply available compact 063) to the boot, so this potentially leaves useful storage space for spares, tools, sandwiches, Walther PPK etc.
Peter Allen

This thread was discussed between 13/12/2019 and 16/12/2019

MG MGB Technical index

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