Battery support question

[76Datsun280z]

Hey guys, I was curious if you guys could post a picture or two of how the battery is supported with the clamp for a 280z? Right now we have the battery bungee corded down, but my dad and I can't seem to figure out the way the two parts go back on again. Here's a picture of the parts that I'm talking about.

[theianmonster]

Its usually the tray, the bracket that you have pictured, and two "J" shaped bars.

[Arne]

The hold-down in your picture is cheap, aftermarket cr@p. A picture of the factory hold-down is attached, it bolts to the firewall, and the J-hook goes down to where the battery support meets the fender well.

[beandip]

I used a similar hold down like the red one you have . With the battery in place look at the firewall just above the top of it. There should be a threaded hole for a bracket. I used some 3/16'' thick one inch wide steel strap and bent it to a right angle and bolted it to the firewall and the hold down on that side and used a J bolt on the front side that hooks the lower support. I have been running this for the past 6 yrs . My battery was held in with a bungee cord and a block of wood when I bought the car . The OEM battery hold down is great but dosn't fit my battery . Gary

[76Datsun280z]

[/QThe hold-down in your picture is cheap, aftermarket cr@p. A picture of the factory hold-down is attached, it bolts to the firewall, and the J-hook goes down to where the battery support meets the fender well.

UOTE]

Oh ok I see how that works, can you still buy these new or would this be more of an Ebay thing?

[Ramses]

I got mine off of ebay.

[Arne]

I bought one a couple weeks ago from the dealer. Still easily available.

[Victor Laury]

I got mine from MSA. Nice people which support this site. Oh and a shiney new "J" hook while I was at it.

[Mike]

The hold-down in your picture is cheap, aftermarket cr@p. A picture of the factory hold-down is attached, it bolts to the firewall, and the J-hook goes down to where the battery support meets the fender well.

Hey Arne,

Can you read the part numbers and list them on this thread?

-- Mike

[Arne]

Yup. Right off the club CD. These are the numbers I gave my local dealer, with the local Z club pricing they give me:

Battery frame -- 24420-E4600 -- $13.98

Battery J-bolt -- 24438-21000 -- $3.15

Note that the J-bolt does not come with a nut or washer, those are separate.

[76Datsun280z]

Do you guys know if the battery hold down will fit the Optima deep cell batteries? I'm curious because that's what we have in it now and they have the slitely different shape compared to the stock ones.

[Jeff G 78]

No, it will not fit an Optima. If you search the site using my login name and Optima, you will find a thread on this and see a bracket that I designed to work with a red top Optima. My Z is away for the winter, so I haven't actually fabricated the part yet, but I made one from cardboard and it should work very well. You might get a universal bracket similar to the one you have to work, but I think it will take something similar to my design before the Optima is properly secured. The bracket will require a bit of welding and fabrication skills, but you might find someone to make it for you. It's a very simple bracket.