E-Dawgie
I too have a prominent front side that comes close to the stering wheel. I put the battery in and with the stock seat all the way back it will clear by about a 1/4". I changed to a Ranger seat and set the track so the seat will go back and hit the battery, then forward until it latches. It clears about a 1/4" now. The ranger seat gave me about 2" more clearance because the seat back is thinner. I also lowered it about 3/4" from the original. Now I look out through the center of the windshield. It seems to be a good solution. I have only driven it 100 miles since I did it. After a few more miles, I am going to get new upholstery on it.

 

New at this so I hope I'm in the right spot. Just picked up a 55 Merc M-100. The battery is located in the bed at this time but I don't like it being there or the way it's mounted. I don't think it will pass inspection. The previous owner said he mounted it there so it wouldn't overheat. Any suggestions why he would say this? I haven't found anyone else who seemed worried about the battery overheating in the original location.

 

I installed a 302 in the location where the 6 cyl was. With the hugger headers the 6cyl battery tray location won't work. Unsure whether a flathead v8 battery tray will work. No other pictures show up as far as other options under the hood while doing an advanced search. Any ideas guys? Thanks, Kurt