VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1938 Master Battery Location

I am one for keeping things as original but when I rebuild the floors in my 38 Master, I am wondering if I can re-locate the battery and not worry about providing the access opening. In the 1938 Fisher Body Manual, it mentions that the battery has been re-located to a more convenient location and the thus the floor does not have the access opening. I am guessing that there was some change implemented part way through the model year. I would like to know how and where to mount it in the new location. There seems to be space over or adjacent to the starter.

I ddon't know if Canadian cars were different but all 1937-1939 cars had the battery under the floor and the right side. 1940 had the new under hood location.

old216, I am all for keeping things original also and I would go ahead and keep the battery opening as original. I also have a '38 Master 2dr sedan and I plan on putting a battery box under the hood but keeping the original box in place under the floor. My reason for this is that even thought I am replacing all the wiring, I want to be able to disconnect the battery when not in use and if it is under the floor, that means rolling the floor mat and jute backing back all of the time to get access to the battery. This will soon ruin the very hard to find original floor mat. Of course, this won't work if your plan is to make a show car but if you are only doing a driver, it will be fine. Beamer

Chevegene,
I thought that it was an odd statment in the Fisher Body manual, which isn't Canadian. The picture of the floor pan for the 1937 shows the battery access and it is missing for the 38. I guess the documentation was out of step.

I am seeking methods for mounting the battery under the hood. I see there is some access to the frame and some available area involving the firewall. I just don't know if attaching something to both is a good idea.

Also, that is a good idea to keep the floor the same. This would offer the opportunity to return to the original form. I like to use a disconnect switch and islolate the battery when I park it in the garage. This is what I do with my truck.

My 37 had the battery mounted on the firewall when I got it. It took up a lot of room and in my opinion it looked ugly and out of place, so I put it back under the floor. I don't disconnect the batteries, I keep one of those little battery maintainers on the batteries of all 3 of my old cars and they all started right up under their own battery power this spring.
I even think they add to battery life as I thought the battery on my 48 was shot 2 years ago but after useing a battery maintainer it is still working fine.
Just a thought for you.

A battery isolating switch is a good idea for long storage time especially if the wiring is suspect and the battery maintainers do extend battery life. The small solar type are good as they generally are only a trickle charge and dont overcharge/boil the battery.
Tony

Thanks for the replies and ideas. I do use a battery maintainer with the "float" technology for my truck and it does a great job. I also believe that the battery life is extended using one. I guess that I worry a bit too much about having some type of short develop while parked. I wouldn't drive a vehicle with suspect wiring.

I have sent you an email.

Jack,
thanks, I got your Email. Those are nice photos!

Fred