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MG TD TF 1500 - How to lift battery into '55 TF

I know that this is a sissy thing to ask ...

> Can you give me some tips on lifting my new 50-pound group 27F battery into the battery box in my '55 TF?

I'm a little guy and I'm pretty sure that I will not be able to stretch out over the finders holding the battery.

The battery: (no strap handle)
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-gold-battery-group-size-27-710-cca-27f-1/2040183-P?searchTerm=automotive+batteries#fragment-1

Thanks for any advice that you can give to me.

Lonnie
TF7211


LM Cook

Lonnie, is the bonnet off? Can you rig up a hoist like I did to get the bonnet off my TD and roll your car under the battery? Probably a two person job - one to push the car and one to steady and guide the battery.

Jud

J K Chapin

Lorne,

I'm nearly 82 and can still insert (in the spring) and remove (in a few weeks) the battery in my TF. I'm the original and only owner of TF 4592, so I can assure you, this system works, having done it over 150 times!

Please note: Its quite different for the TD!

I first remove the two screws at the back of the bonnet. I place a soft towel or similar on one of the bonnet sides. Then standing on one side of the car I fold the the two halves of the bonnet, till they stand vertically with the towel between the bonnet halves.

With one hand holding the bonnet halves together at the rear, I use my other hand to slide the folded bonnet out of the front bracket (no need to unscrew or remove it)

Despite having a bad back, I'm still able to carry the folded bonnet to a safe place and lie it on its side, with the towel protecting the surfaces.

Then remove the battery.

If you're in doubt, get someone to help you. Getting the battery in or out with the bonnet in place is a nightmare.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.

Gordon A Clark

The hood (bonnet) is off. My problem is being able to physically hold the battery out in a near full extention to place it into the battery box.

Jud - A block and tackle had crossed my mind.

Gord - What am I doing wrong. 150 battery replacements, you must have the removal/replacement system perfected. How do you do it? Is it a full size 50-pound battery?

The previous battery in my car was a smaller, lighter group 24 battery. The current temporary battery is even smaller and lighter. Easy to get them in and out.

Am I just over-thinking this?

Thanks,

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Hey there Lonnie,

I don't know much about batteries. Every 4 or 5 years I have to replace the old one and I buy a 72 amp-hour battery that weighs around 35 pounds (I think). It also runs my pellet stove in the winter.

Why would you need such a big battery? Our 20 amp generator can handle almost anything a T-series needs. With high beams on and my heater running, at 3,000 rpm, I'm still on ±0.

If you want power with lightness, buy yourself an Optima Red Top.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Ask your neighbor to give you a hand. Thats what they are there for right?
MG LaVerne

50 pounds? That's a really heavy battery. I suppose it's too late now, but next time I recommend a Westco AGM battery. They have more power than your car will ever need, are half the size of the original battery, and weigh next to nothing. Cost is a bit higher at around $115, but they last a long time and will not leak.

In the meantime you may be able to use a piece of wood. Place one end on the battery box and the other on a workbench. Set the battery on the wood and slide it to the battery box. Take care the wood (or battery) does not slip off and ding your fender.
Steve Simmons

I cried "WOLF" too soon. Sorry for the fire drill.

My TF was on jack stands when I was trying to figure out how I could stretch over the fender to drop in the battery. When I got the car back on the ground, it was a piece of cake to install it.

I know that a smaller group 24 or even a 26 battery will have all the power that I need, plus weigh a lot less. But just for kicks and giggles, I wanted a battery similar to the original 1955 Lucas GTW9A. Modern equivalent is Group 27. My car has been converted to negative ground, so the battery is a Group 27F. I had a vertical Lucas decal and a "King of the Road" decal cut at a local sign shop. Stuck them on before installing the battery. Made a wooden tray using plans from Bud's site. Helmet cables from Rhode Island Wiring @ $85+ will have to wait.
http://www.ttalk.info/BatteryBoxWood.htm

Now I just need some single battery caps to complete the look.

Thanks for your help.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

Lonnie: Can you provide a picture of your custom battery with you stickers?
Christopher Couper

Chris -

I'm doing a few tweaks on the engine and engine bay. I'll post some pics in a couple of days.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Chris -

Here are a couple of pics of the vertical Lucas and King of the Road decals on the Group 27F battery in my '55 TF-1500. Yes - I knew that the battery retainer would cover part of the logo.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2014 and 30/09/2014

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