I wonder if anyone out there would have a idea as to where I can get a NEW battery for my 66 442 TRAC PAC with the vent on top side. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks.

 

No idea, I just put a correct size battery in mine, the vent cap and hose are there for visual only..that battery is up on the shelf so nobody has any idea if it’s functional or not..

 

The battery vent tube does have a purpose, since gases are given off during any charging periods... It can be a concern/issue when batteries are located inside the vehicle...

Here is a link discussing the issue:

 

OK,maybe I will do that TY

 

I know what your saying is true, but to have this look OEM is the question.Cant find a battery that has caps on it anymore, there all sealed with a small hose coming out the side to vent. The OEM style has a cover that fits over the top of the caps and vents out with a big hose to the top of that.. Feel my pain !!!

 

Sealed Marine plastic battery box, vented the usual way through the floor.

 

That's a thought.

 

It has a purpose if your not using a sealed battery..new batteries don’t off gas, especially sealed ones.

 

This is mine, never had a problem with any off gas, basically the vent system is cosmetic

 

If you don't mind me asking, how do you have the vent hose going to the battery ? Where is your battery cut off switch sir LOL ?

 

The hose is attached as in the pic, its cosmetic as I have said. Its a sealed battery, nobody sells screw top batteries anymore that I am aware of. The vent piece would go over the old screw tops, vent up the hose and the hose exits through the trunk floor into the atmosphere was how they originally set it up. No kill switch.

 

I just had a thought: if I remember correctly, NHRA rules say you are supposed to have a piece of sheetmetal separating the battery from the passenger compartment, and a battery cutoff switch accessible from the rear. I assume the W-30 and track Pac cars, and other cars with factory trunk mounted batteries don’t do this?

We know what these cars were marketed for, so do tracks not scrutinize cars from this time period?

Im certainly not going to ask a track official (lord knows we have enough rules and regulations to deal with in this hobby) just wondering if it’s technically in violation, or technically in violation but grandfathered acceptable.

Just wondering.

 

Yes, most tracks require an externally accessed cutoff switch if the battery is in the trunk; not sure about the firewall.
It can be done with an electronic switch and remote relay these days. It doesn't have to be the old, mechanical, rod actuated style, anymore.

 

By the NHRA rules if battery is relocated it has to have the cutout switch. 66 and 67 will pass NHRA tech with battery in the trunk and no cutout.

 

So I assume that’s the loophole? Since the battery technically hasn’t been relocated (it’s in the factory location) no cutoff is required?

 

Ok, try explaining that to the track tech guy. Outside of an all Oldsmobile event, it ain't gonna fly.

 

Bring the W30 tech info.

 

Thanks to all that replied to this post. It has given me some ideas..I had more action on this question then I ever thought I would. Thanks a bunch !!!!

 

Agm

 

My 66 passed NHRA tech inspection with factory pics showing the battery mounting. I'm good to 10.0 then I have to have cutout.

 

They sell or did sell repro jell batteries, thats what I used on my 67. The vent on the battery was just for show, not needed. Maybe not the exact 66 style but close.

 

that's it. That is what is in my car.. I will look into this

 

NHRA rules state if battery is trunk mounted from factory no exterior disconnect required. Raced my car at multiple NHRA tracks with no issues.

 

Really no different than a corvette. Actually, the C3's are a lot worse with the battery mounted in one of the 3 compartments just behind the seat.

 

I have a question, on your corvette is the ground cable going to the frame or does it go directly to the engine ?

 

That is actually just a pic I found online. My dad had a 79 vette years ago and a 70 convertible at one time, but I personally have not owned any. Not sure where the neg cable attaches.

 

The 66/67 negative cables go to the frame. You need a set of the factory installation instructions and would help you. The 67 PIM aka assembly manual that Hairy Olds sells has the trunk mounted battery instructions in it I believe.

 

Corvettes have a floating 12v ground. Even wiring a stereo system is weird in them.