For those who prefer a stock appearance in their Pontiac’s engine compartment right down to the battery, you have a few choices—buy a reproduction battery, a sealed maintenance- free reproduction battery, or disguise the modern aftermarket battery you already have with a battery topper to appear factory.
We had already picked up a new battery topper at a swap meet. We mention it because this one did not come with the warning tag for the negative post that comes with the one you would get from YearOne. What we did get from YearOne is a kit for $79.99 that includes the battery tray, hold-down strap, hold-down bolt (not shown here as it was out of stock), and the three attaching bolts.
Reproduction conventional batteries can cost close to $200 plus shipping. They look great but retain ’60s technology. Maintenance-free sealed batteries that are built to look like the originals cost anywhere from $250 to $360 each, plus shipping depending upon where you shop. Conversely, the battery topper costs $65.99 at YearOne, there are different styles that look like the ACDelco batteries installed in Pontiacs from ’57 through ’72, and you can retain the Group 24 battery (approximately 103⁄16 x 6¾ x 83⁄16 inches) you already have.
If you have a modern top-post battery that has a smooth top like the ACDelco, and some Sears and NAPA models, you can install the battery topper in about five minutes, since the product is simply a plastic cover for your existing battery and the posts protrude through it.
1 Here is the battery topper (101⁄2-inches long, 7-inches wide, and 3⁄4-inch tall) in place on a modern sealed battery with raised filler caps. Note how high it sits and the fact that the posts are too short to properly install the cables. Also, the topper is only supported at the caps so it easily rocks back and forth.
However, the top-post modern battery we have—and many we’ve seen—have raised rectangular filler caps that measure just under a ½-inch above the top surface. When you place the battery topper over the battery, it doesn’t sit flat, and the posts don’t protrude enough to attach the battery cables properly.
YearOne states in its catalog: “This cover is designed for use on flat-top batteries, but may be used on a filler-cap-equipped battery if battery post extensions B67 are installed.” They are $18.99 per set and extend the length of each post.
There is still, however, the issue of stabilizing the battery topper on the battery. Since a major cause of battery failure is from vibration due to loose mountings, and Pontiacs from the late ’50s to early ’67 used a battery hold-down strap that runs across the top of the battery between the filler caps, the topper will have to be supported underneath it to avoid the possibility of bending or breaking it as the hold-down strap is tightened.
2 We will add support to the edges and through the middle to stand up to the clamping force of the hold-down strap. To make a pattern, we applied 3⁄4-inch-wide masking tape in multiple layers in the desired shape.
With some careful measuring and a piece of ½-inch-thick oak plywood, we’ll make a spacer for the top of the battery to provide the needed support.
Since you’re using an aftermarket battery that is likely slightly taller than stock and a battery topper that is slightly wider than stock, some minor adjustments may be required on the battery hold-down strap where it goes over the battery topper as well as where it attaches to the radiator support. Also keep in mind that there are variances in size and item placement on aftermarket batteries, so your measurements may differ slightly from ours. Measure multiple times and test-fit items as you go.
3 Since the tape is thicker than paper (when layered), it can be shaped as needed and it’s adhesive-backed, making it quick and easy to use. We then peeled it off the battery in a single piece and applied it to the 1⁄2-inch-thick, 101⁄4 x 63⁄4-inch piece of oak plywood that we cut to size from a 1⁄2 x 24 x 24-inch board ($8.65) from Lowes. It’s just slightly smaller in size than the inside of the battery topper.
Once the installation is complete, the area looks stock yet has modern battery technology, and the cost is considerably less than having to purchase another battery that looks stock.
