Stock Battery Tray Mounting

[collinbrewer]

So when I bought my Bronco it was disassembled and I can't figure out how the dang battery tray mounts...

Can someone show me some pics of the way the stock battery tray is mounted?

Much appreciated!

 

[Bundy]

I just remember there being two threaded holes on the fender body support where the tray sits... should be straightforward unless you have something custom?

 

[DirtDonk]

Sort of, but the braces have recesses with holes where "speed nuts" (or whatever that type is called) are inserted. They clip in, then the tray bolts down using them.
I think they're for 3/8" coarse bolts, about 3/4 to 1" long
But first make sure you have a stock type tray. They're relatively unique to the Ford world, so universal and other brand trays won't just bolt on using the stock hardware.
Original type would be steel, have high side flanges with slotted holes that are offset where the "J-hook" hold downs mount. And stock hold-downs are your basic threaded round stock, but stamped into a more flat shape where the J part is.

Paul

 

[Crawdad]

My original tray was looking pretty shabby so I looked around for something different. I settled on a stainless steel one from this website: http://www.artecindustries.com/Group-34-Optima-Battery-Mount_p_77.html . Here is a pic that was taken back late last year. I did have to drill holes in original battery bracket on the fender but was very simple to do. This battery tray was also for an Optima battery. The fit to me was perfect! Hope this helps.

 

[dbevans2249]

It may help you to look on some of the vender sights. Some have blown up pictures of how parts go together. If you find one that shows the battery tray it may be a little clearer.

 

[collinbrewer]

This is a stock tray I got from one of the Bronco vendors but none of the holes line up with anything.

I just drilled my own two holes and used two body clips on the battery mount supports per Dirt Donk's recommendation.

Thanks guys.

 

[DirtDonk]

Interesting that none of the holes lined up. There are usually extra holes, but the recessed spots with holes should have at least two that line up directly with your existing holes.
I wonder if the body has been modified at all in the past? Do yours look like the pics you see on this site of others?
Should be two cross-braces, each with a recess approx. mid-way across, with probably a 7/16" toi 1/2" hole in the middle. Tray should line right up.

On the passenger side anyway. For the driver's side you're on your own.

Paul

 

[casadejohnson]

I just replaced the battery tray in my 66. I ordered a new one a while back from the Graveyard and it was just like the original one I removed except for the mounting holes. I had to drill mine out as well.

 

[collinbrewer]

Thanks for the confirmation casadejohnson, seems silly that the stock tray doesn't come with the right holes.

Thanks to all for the help.

 

[DirtDonk]

Yeah, no kidding. I wonder if they know there's a difference or not?
The one we put in the '77 just last year was brand new and bolted right in just like original. No differences in shape, size, holes or anything (compared to one I bought from Ford 30 years ago) that caused any trouble.
Not sure what source my buddy got it from, but I'll ask to see if that might be an issue.

Paul