Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
Just got a new battery tray and brackets for a 1964 Valiant. What color are these from the factory? Are the black, body/engine compartment color, or something else? Thanks.
Battery tray color?
- Thread starter Charrlie_S
- Start date
-
Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
Thanks, that's what I thought, but wanted to make sure. You've seen my other cars, and know they are not "lookers". This is that 64 Valiant I got from NY. The car is just so nice, I'm trying to keep it that way. It is not a "restoration", but trying to do it "right". More of a "restomod".
The battery tray that was with the car is "OK", but my other 64 valiant needs a tray, also. So the new 64 will get the new tray, and I'll put the "OK" tray in my old 64.
The battery tray that was with the car is "OK", but my other 64 valiant needs a tray, also. So the new 64 will get the new tray, and I'll put the "OK" tray in my old 64.
Drop some pictures.. I left the tray black when I redid the engine compartment. I did have to get a second mounting bracket. The car had a trunk mounted battery when I bought it. The 64 parts book and body manual showed two brackets where the kits only provided a single one
The battery tray and brackets where mounted to the body before it was painted so it should be should the color of the car. However I have seen original cars with a black battery tray. I were told from workers back in the 60ies that sometimes when there were a short supply of battery trays they painted the car without the battery tray. Reason was that they didn't want to stop the assembly line for lack of battery tray so they added the battery trays after the body were painted. I have seen this on two unmolested factory cars so it seems to be correct.
Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
I got two brackets with the battery tray (separate purchase). I have two other 64-65 Valiants that have battery trays, and both have two brackets, so that is what I ordered. Those trays are so old they have no paint left.
Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
[FOR SALE] - 1964 Valiant V200 Sedan one family owner stalled restoration/resto mod project
Looking to sadly part with my 1964 Valiant V200 sedan that's been stored for 10 years. Too much travel and work has gotten in the way and it's become very difficult for me to finish it. Located in Queens, NYC. This car was purchased new in San Diego, CA by my great grandfather. Originally...
www.forabodiesonly.com
JDMopar
Well-Known Member
The top side where the battery actually sits should be body color. Most of the time, the bottom side just got some overspray, along with the brackets. I can't stand to half *** do stuff like the factory did, so I just paint the tray and brackets separately, then bolt them on. Touch up the bolt heads, and done!
There are many options at your local AutoZone paint isle. Give it character
Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
At my local Autozone, I don't think they even know what paint is. But the things on the car that are basically "stock" I want to keep that way
I walked in and asked where the trailer section was . He had to look it up on the computer and told me isle #5
At least he knew where to look on the computer
Oh, that will be a nice Valiant when you are done with it.
I left the new battery trays in my early As black, but they were body color originally. I was kinda figuring the battery acid would eventually eat away the paint, although the anti-corrosion pads I have under the batteries now seem to be protecting the paint. Maybe will paint them correctly some day.
I'll post a picture of my battery tray tomorrow but I'm sure it wasn't painted because the part number is still on it.
Mine was obviously not painted from the factory so not all were painted
Last edited:
Speculating how something was done without documentation fuels the passing on of completely false information.
The battery trays in my 63 Valiant, 65 Barracuda, 66 Barracuda, 67 Barracuda, 69 Barracuda, 64 Polara and 67 Charger were all body color originally. But these seven Mopars are by no means all that were built, and I have no factory documentation. I know what was correct for my cars (and I've owned all but one of them longer than many here have been alive), but cannot and do not claim to know whether my experience is correct for all A and B body Mopars from every assembly plant or even from a single assembly plant of that era. 100% consistent Chrysler was not.
Add to that the fact that these cars are 50-60 years old, and many parts, including battery trays, have been replaced over the years. Not always easy to tell, either.
Add to that the fact that these cars are 50-60 years old, and many parts, including battery trays, have been replaced over the years. Not always easy to tell, either.
Completely agree and quite honestly who really ever looked to see if their battery trays were painted. My new '68 Formula S 340, new '69 cuda 340 of which I was the original owner could never claim that mine were painted. Just never thought about it. I am not the original owner of my present '69 cuda 340 but looking at my battery tray with part number I could only conclude it was never painted or replaced.
Cuda Al
Well-Known Member
Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
This car was painted including the engine compartment, just prior to being put in storage by the PO. The day after I got the car I took it to the body/paint supply store and had them "scan" the colors. Got two "rattle" cans of the color(s) and the formula to mix the paint. I got new battery tray and brackets, and they are now painted "body" color. The tray that came with the car was used and had some rust/acid pits, but no rust thru. I will put that tray into my "older" 64 Valiant that has a tray with holes. Two repairs/improvements for the price of one.
66GTDART
Well-Known Member
-
