Anyone have an original “J bolt from battery hold-down, 48-52? Curious if this is a replacement. Doesn’t look like the reproductions.

 

Hammered out a new tray for the 52 MH. Brackets are fine, so no need to buy the whole thing. Have the remains of the hold down, going to see about crafting that as well.

 

I can't answer your questions exactly, but thought you might be interested in pictures of the fixed bolt on the other end. I don't see if you have that part. I'll throw in a pic of the J bolt bracket installed for good measure and for others to see how it was.

 

Thanks! I have that fixed bolt, actually 2. Mocking the one up to rivet into place.

 

I have 2 j-bolt catches as well. Going to be welding one to new tray. Reason I asked about j-bolt, it was on the hold-down, it is the right length, but is 5/16” as opposed to the 3/8” fixed bolt. Have to clean up fixed bolt and plate threaded area before attaching.

 

Wish a fella could just buy the tray. Oh well, was a fun project duplicating one.

 

Repros have the wing nut. Originally they had regular hex nut. That’s all I know! Nice work by the way!

 

Thank you. Good to know about the hex nut.

 

Dennis C. Used to sell the complete tray, don't they anymore?
I made my own tray like you have, but to fit a Group 24 battery.

 

Yes you can get the whole thing. But I have two complete setups, both have rusted trays, brackets are unscathed. Being cheap, plus being intrigued by the challenge, I thought it would be fun to fashion up some bucks and hammer away. Actually made a slapping spoon from an old leaf spring to do most of the shaping.

 

This is a replacement. Originals look just like the repros.
Chuck

 

Many thanks, Chuck, and everyone!

 

Got hold down bolt riveted to diy tray. First coat of KBS Rust seal applied. Also blasted shiny zinc off repro J bolt. Will redo it to make it resemble cadmium like original bolt. Had to shape the hook so it would actually seat on tray bracket. Going to sand first coat, then 2nd coat, and top coat it with their Top Coat. Supposed to be resilient to chemicals. Did my pedal brackets and arms with it as well.

 

Looks great. No how to pics?

 

I could post the pics of my forms I made along with the slapping hammer. I know one thing, I am not successful at applying that Rust seal. Leaves little bubbles and runs easily. Nothing sanding won’t fix. Had some leftover from painting transmission. Thought I had learned something from that, nope. Nice thing, it fills little imperfections and can be top coated with about anything. Mainly wanted to smooth out little tooling marks in the ribs and sanding disc scratches.