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MGB MGB battery questions

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drooartz

drooartz

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How critical, really is the placement of the battery in an MGB. I ask because a former owner converted my MGB to a single battery on the right side of the car. On my car, of course, this is the driver's side (car is right hand drive). I just swapped in a new Miata battery (much lighter and smaller) and was wondering if it really mattered if driver and battery were on the same side.

Two questions:

1. Should I swap the battery to the passenger (left) side?

2. For folks who've done the single battery change, what do you use for a battery hold-down?

I need to get new battery cables made anyways, as the new battery posts are in a different spot and the current cable doesn't quite fit. Now would be the time to swap it to the other side.

I've picked up another of the little plastic battery boxes as well, so I can use the non-battery side for tools/oil/etc.
 
Not sure what difference position truly makes - especially if there's a passenger involved!

As for hold-downs, with the battery box, I think you'll find the fit pretty snug, unless you're going to do some VERY spirited motoring!
 
I make all my own battery cables,
and I use Marine battery connectors
with the wingnut post on all my MGB's.
Makes it easier to disconnect when working
on the little suckers.

I also use batteries
that have a mounted strap for lifting out
of the battery station on the LBC's.

As for which side, if it is a weight transfer issue
since you are a large human being, maybe put it on the left
side of the car.
Really it is driver/owner preference.
 
Mickey Richaud said:
Not sure what difference position truly makes - especially if there's a passenger involved!

As for hold-downs, with the battery box, I think you'll find the fit pretty snug, unless you're going to do some VERY spirited motoring!
Click to expand...
Miata battery is a bit smaller, and does slide around in there a bit -- and God forbid the car flips, it's nice to not have the battery contact the metal cover...
 
I have a Miata battery in my B (the Westco AGM). I made a "plate" out of marine plywood that fits inside the box support rails. Battery sits on top of it. I use 3 giant zip ties to hold it down (1/2 wide, 36in long). Also covered the terminals with vinyl boots.
 
I've got that same battery. Zip ties, never thought of that. Simple and functional.
 
drooartz said:
I've got that same battery. Zip ties, never thought of that. Simple and functional.
Click to expand...

And best of all, non-conductive!
 
They use a special battery
That has to be expensive at production start up
 
It's a smaller battery, and the one most LBC folks get is the Westco brand one (glass mat) that doesn't need to be vented. Plenty of cranking power, and relatively small and light.

https://www.gomiata.com/wessealbat.html

Not sure if any other cars call for it as an OEM fitment. Become common for a few different LBCs now due to the size.

I've decided to move the battery over to the left (passenger) side of the car. Got my new battery bins in today along with a few other bits and pieces. Just need to find a local place that can make up a cable for me, and I'll be golden.

Will use the other side for tool/fluid storage.
 
drooartz said:
and was wondering if it really mattered if driver and battery were on the same side.
Click to expand...

I've seen your picture Drew. One of you plus battery does not equal one of me. Haven't managed to roll the Midget yet.

(I think you're obsessing) :laugh:
 
JPSmit said:
(I think you're obsessing) :laugh:
Click to expand...
No, just planning.
grin.gif


If I'm going to be in there working anyways, then I might as well do things the best way. Maybe it is obsessing a slight bit, but I'm a big fan of doing things right the first time. Plenty of practice already doing it the other way.
 
Posted this before.
This is my "small" battery

DSCF6186.jpg
 
You can also pad the underside of the battery lid with something non-conductive, like foam padding.

I don't think it makes one bit of difference which side you put it on, although putting it on the right would allow the battery cable to be shorter. Traditionally, you would put the single battery opposite the driver to help maintain the MGB's excellent balance, but that's when we were stuck with massive batteries that weighed a ton. The Westco battery is very light, perhaps even lighter than the tools and spares you plan to put in the opposite bin!
 
The more I've looked at it, the less I've figured it made any difference. I'll probably still put it on the left to keep my tool bin a bit farther from the exhaust pipe.
 
Hi Drew, been awhile :savewave:

Hope the following .06 helps !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]
what do you use for a battery hold-down? [/QUOTE]

Easy. A FLAPS or Big Box will have a hold-down VERY similar to that used on Spridgets and the 'J' hooks. Either in "HELP Line" Section or no-name around Battery Section. Makes the job a POC, SAFE & cheap. :lol: :banana: :hammer:
BTW, Inter-State makes a drop-in model; sorry but off-hand don't recall # :frown: !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] Just need to find a local place that can make up a cable for me,... [/QUOTE]

While at above store, p/u cable ends and take to a welding supply store (along with length of cable required :yesnod:) and
relate some sort of "Tale of Woe" ref "needing cable......." !!! :wall: :hammer: :cryin: :cryin:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] I'll probably still put it on the left to keep my tool bin a bit farther from the exhaust pipe. [/QUOTE]

Yer not driving a Big Healey ( <span style="font-weight: bold">WAY</span> <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">HOT</span></span></span> exhaust ) with TWO (2) LARGE mufflers directly below !! Tools, etc. will NOT get scorching hot --- so put Battery
in right-side hole - also shortest cable route :smile: !!

HTHs !

Cheeers..........
:cheers: :driving:

Ed

Please visit MY web site at:
www.justbrits.com
 
Hi there Ed! Thanks for the tips. Gives me a few more things to think about.
 
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