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Old 10-21-2020, 06:10 PM   #1
Dan Ewing
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Default Battery Support Mystery

Bought a repro battery support (advertised to be best one available) for my 31 roadster. I was a bit surprised to find that the "exact reproduction" did not fit. I contacted the supplier and the response was that the battery support sent to me is an exact replica of the original. My first thought then was that someone had drilled new holes in the crossmember and frame. Nope. There is only the one hole in frame and the one hole in the crossmember. The repro support has c/l to c/l dimension between frame mount hole and crossmember stud of 14 7/8". My frame/crossmember holes and existing support has c/l to c/l dimension of 13 3/8" or exactly 1 1/2" difference.

From researching old posts with pictures by Tom Wesenberg on battery support subject, it appears that I have an original support frame. My support frame is in very good condition with no rust. However, the bottom plate has been replaced and is a flat piece without the small trough. I guess the original plate must have rusted or been damaged. At any rate, right now I am inclined to let sleeping dogs lie and keep what I have. However, my curiosity has now been aroused and I wonder why the discrepancy between what I have and the repro.

I also checked to make sure I have a 31 frame. I do. Any thoughts you guys might have would be appreciated.
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Old 10-21-2020, 06:27 PM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: Battery Support Mystery

I measured a couple of frames I have and got 13 3/8" also.
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Old 10-21-2020, 06:45 PM   #3
Jim/GA
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Default Re: Battery Support Mystery

Dan-
I have not dealt with this personally, so I am just guessing here...

Is it possible that you need to gently bend the 2 upright pieces toward each other a bit so that the mounting bolts line up with the frame holes?

.
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Old 10-22-2020, 05:17 AM   #4
Bruce of MN
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Default Re: Battery Support Mystery

I had to bend my repro support, but nowhere near 1.5".
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Old 10-22-2020, 01:55 PM   #5
redmodelt
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Default Re: Battery Support Mystery

If the rest of the frame is in good condition, why not just replace the bottom plate?
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:10 AM   #6
Dan Ewing
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Default Re: Battery Support Mystery

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Thanks all for the responses. Good to know that there are other frames and battery supports out there with the same dimensions as mine. That tells me I probably don't have a gyp support. I am still curious as to possibly when these were made during production. Where's Marco when you need him?
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