| flatfoot | -- 07-10-2026 @ 10:30 AM |
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Can I install a battery box under the hood of my '36 4dr sedan? There seem to be plenty of room. Is there a box made for this purpose I could do this? Would it be safe change it under the hood? It is in the original place under the driver's feet front.
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| kubes40 | -- 07-10-2026 @ 11:24 AM |
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The simple answer is yes; you can. If you decide to do so, please don't cut the dash panel (aka firewall). You have an (easy) option of installing an Optima 6v. battery in the original tray. It can be installed at an angle and fits well that way, no modification to the tray necessary. They are a tad expensive but last for years and have many more CCA's than an acid core battery. Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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| fenbach | -- 07-10-2026 @ 4:28 PM |
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Kubes, Any chance you have a picture of an Optima in a '36 battery tray? I couldn't make one fit without lowering the bottom panel. Which, unfortunately, is all too visible as you look at the car from the driver's side. Thanks. Bob
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| kubes40 | -- 07-11-2026 @ 5:34 AM |
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Bob, I do not have a photo, sorry. However, I'd done this twice, both '36 Fords. I set the battery in tilted at about a 45° angle. Placed a strap around each one to prevent bouncing. Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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| 40 Coupe | -- 07-11-2026 @ 5:50 AM |
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Someone made a battery cover with extra dome to clear the battery terminals. Yes you can mount an Optima side wise or make another battery tray to drop the battery slightly lower.
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-11-2026 @ 12:53 PM |
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It may have been Mike Gall who had those taller covers made years ago. I had one in my '36 Roadster.
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| Grant | -- 07-12-2026 @ 5:41 AM |
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Hello Flatfoot. Our definitely-not-bone-stock '36 Ford has a 6 volt Optima battery mounted in a 1949 8BA battery box under the floor (also hydraulic brakes). Here are two photos. A vertical steel plate added inside the battery box prevents the Optima from tipping forward. Works very well. Definitely a high-quality battery. This message was edited by Grant on 7-12-26 @ 7:39 AM
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| flatfoot | -- 07-25-2026 @ 1:05 AM |
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I see the under the seat location. I just want to move mine to under the hood for easier acess. I had to make my battery box longer to make the modern 6 volt battery to fit. I am afraid of hitting bottom and smashing the box and battery. So I thought it would safer and easier under the hood on the passenger side. I have no plans to cut the firewall. My was to get a 37 battery box and put it on the firswall. I just want to make sure it will work that way safely.
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| ford38v8 | -- 07-25-2026 @ 4:50 PM |
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A '37 battery tray would require insetting into the firewall. You should have room on the passenger frame in front of the firewall for a standard battery tray mount such as found on a '40 Ford. Alan
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