MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Plastic Battery Box for 12 volt Battery

Is it possible to find a plastic battery box in the UK suitable for the twelve volt battery in my 1978 MGB ?
sam christie

Here you go. Miss Europe:

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=11000&SortOrder=46
rick ingram

Thanks Rick, This is just what I want.What a pity these were not fitted in the factory. I hope my new battery will fit inside.
sam christie

<soapbox>
'Battery box' is a mis-nomer. They were really intended for slotting in to one of the holes when replacing twin 6v batteries with a single 12v, as concealed storage. Someone had the not so bright idea to put *batteries* in them, and as that allowed the suppliers to sell twice as many who were they to argue? For a start you have to cut holes for the cables, and also for the clamps or the batteries bounce up and down shortening their life and shorting out on the cover. Even with clamps they are suspended on the little lip of the box which isn't designed to take the stresses from the clamps, if fitted. Poorly ventilated batteries is definitely not a good idea as it is an explosion risk. And finally even with a daily driver in all weathers I have never found the batteries get sufficiently wet or dirty on top to cause a problem anyway. Save your money.
</soapbox>
Paul Hunt

I have **one** of these in each of my MGCs...as I have converted from the twin 6v to single 12v battery. I use the box as a spares compartment..the battery remains tied down in the original space sans a liner.

Of course, one cannot do this with a 1974-1/2 through 1980 MGB as there is no secondary battery box.

I think that some enthusiasts use these liners as a replacement for a badly rotted battery box....I would think that if this is the case, ventilating the liner with a few "breather holes" (without sacrificing the continuity of the liner shell) may assist in getting rid of the fumes generated by the battery through its normal use.

?????
rick ingram

Sam,

most 12 Volt batterys have a small hole for a draining pipe on one of the short sides just beneath the top cover. If you fit a pipe that is long enough, no acid will damage anything.

As a normal 12 Volt car battery itself consists of plastic, there seems to be no need for this type of containers.

If acid has allready done some damage to the paint or bodywork, you aught to neutrlize these areas with soapsude, a wire brush and then prime it gently with zinc primer.

Ralph
Ralph

The need for ventilation is worth taking into account.

I have some corrosion which is the result of a battery overflowing at some stage.

I tried to clean and repaint the metal before but I have found the paint has since flaked off again - the result I guess of not neutralising the acid. Sulphuric acid seems to be very persistent.

After removing the loose paint and surface rust I will try some washing soda applied with wire wool. Washing soda I understand is very alkali.After rinsing and thorough drying I plan to paint the metal with Bondaprimer.

Batteries seem better designed now but slight spillages of acid seem almost unavoidable at some stage (like brake fluid).

It is a pity batteries were never fitted in a tough shallow plastic tray possibly lined with an acid resistant absorbent matt to protect from jolts and spread the load- something like this could save corrosion damage and help protect the battery. Or has this already been done ?

sam christie

They also reduce road noise.


Dan Robinson

Doesn't need leaks of acid (which as long as you keep it shiny side up aren't going to happen anyway, it's fumes that cause corrosion and the growth of crystals around connectors (unless they are smeared with Vaseline) so boxing them up is only going to make that worse.
Paul Hunt

If you read some adverts for these boxes, they claim you should be able to use one of these to support your battery, rather than restoring the metal cage originally used.

I have often mused whether this was really a good idea and have never bought one, since I don't need one for that purpose.

However, there was an inexpensive alternative From Rubbermaid that someone found that might be a reasonable alternative junk bin for the older car's second battery compartment.
"Product info: Rubbermaid Roughneck Canister All Purpose Storage 2.2Gal/8.5L Prod. #6962
Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.7 x 11.8 in."
Bob Muenchausen

I bought one to support my battery in a '78. Ventilation isn't a problem since I had to cut holes for the battery cables. The box is ventilated to the outside of the car.
Kimberly

This thread was discussed between 27/08/2008 and 01/09/2008

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB Technical BBS now