Author Topic: Gutting Original Y55  (Read 12066 times)

68camaroz28

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Gutting Original Y55
« on: April 14, 2019, 04:58:20 PM »
I added this information to my build thread on Team Camaro but thought I'd list it here for future use and if anyone has any good suggestions for battery to stuff inside the Y55 case.
The what was NOS Y55 battery I had added juice and charged in the spring of 2016 gave out on me when I tried to start the car to load this past MCACN. Geez, only 2 plus years, maybe I should have gutted it to begin with.  Luckily I had another Y55 but a later version that only has “DELCO” script and not the more correct “DELCO ENERGIZER” wording to install for the MCACN show. I did make several checks on that battery but it would not hold a charge so knew what the next step was. Was not looking forward but it was time to work to gut the battery so another smaller one could be placed in the gutted housing. There have been articles written about this that were given to me from a NCRS friend and a friend had gutted his original Y77 (Skip’s orange Z/28) so I had some information but one still gets a little goosey when you start to drill, cut, and remove the batteries guts. If you ever do this be patient and plan on spending several hours.

First thing other than safety items like glasses and rubber gloves was to wear old clothes knowing removing the battery acid might cause havoc. After removal of the battery acid I used baking soda to neutralize the acid removed and also mixed baking soda in warm water to pour in the cells which I did 4 different times working to neutralize the inside of the battery.

Took some 1X3 lumber pieces and make a simple frame to support the battery top posts while I have it upside down doing surgery and taped off both battery and frame to protect battery surface.


Placed some wire ties around circumference and made as tight as possible for support. Tools used were drill, Dremel with cutting blade, and assortment of hand tools. Marked one inch in and drilled corner holes and then the Dremel cutting blade to start the surgery.

What you see when you remove the cut out bottom and now the long process of removing all this junk.


After several hours its finally cleaned out and now to find what battery I’m going to use knowing some more clean out of internal ribbing will be needed, but the worse is over. Any suggestions on battery to use? The NCRS guys have used Miata batteries! More info forthcoming as we finish this part of the project.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

dannystarr

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2019, 06:06:35 PM »
 Chick,
   That battery looks familiar  :D   Remember we talked about this a while back. I did some research and this is what I sent ya. Here it is again.  ;)

This is what a member uses in his Y-55 rebuilds he did for all of Jerry M's cars and many others. So who knows. Got some good and pretty bad reviews.

He was going to go into business doing this years ago, and then they got info from a lawyer stating to many liabilities with some of these batteries exploding!

Looks like about 3-1/4 Stars. Be nice if it was 4-1/4. Nice that it can sit at ANY angle with no acid loss. But doesn't apply to us.
https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-PC925-Automotive-LTV-Battery/dp/B0002ILK72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547257278&sr=8-1&keywords=Odyssey+PC925
 Pricey!!
 
Nice that this battery is all ready to go with female threads taped. The miata battery has a top post that will take up room, and will need to be drilled and taped.

Almost the same prices. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/duralast-gold-battery/350085_631116_25697
 
And another one actually made by Odyssey.  https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/odyssey-battery/411448_232641_0                                     
                                             
  Danny
« Last Edit: May 15, 2019, 02:47:33 PM by KurtS »

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2019, 08:22:02 PM »
Still have the info Danny but sort of ruled that out for a couple reasons. Looking at several alternatives but size seems to be most critical and believe it or its the height as the Y55 is short in that feature. Several batteries are in the 6 7/8" to 7 1/2" height and will not work. Was checking a Miata forum and some of those guys are running a Wallmart garden tractor battery. Have found some of the Harley replacement batteries have 500 to 600 CCA, and nice threaded blocks for side or top screw mounting. Still checking!
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

69Z28-RS

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2019, 09:11:08 PM »
So what is your maximum dimensions for your battery??  and do you have any possibilities other than motorcycle or tractor batteries??

PS.  I'm looking for a smaller battery to use in my '57 Nomad where my space is limited (where I want to locate it)...
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
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68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2019, 10:18:38 PM »
So what is your maximum dimensions for your battery??  and do you have any possibilities other than motorcycle or tractor batteries??

PS.  I'm looking for a smaller battery to use in my '57 Nomad where my space is limited (where I want to locate it)...
What you see in the picture Gary is approximately a 5"X7" opening which can be opened more as there is at least another inch that could be taken but the height of the y55 is only 7" so stuffing something inside along with connecting the terminals needs to checked carefully. I'm still checking and will communicate what we might come up with.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

dannystarr

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2019, 02:32:13 AM »
Sounds good.. I was wondering if a motorcycle battery had the balls to pull it off. Excited to see what ya come up with, as I have a Y-55 energizer script battery that will need the same job. Danny

KurtS

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2019, 04:10:59 AM »
Chick,
What is the max size of the bottom opening? Would be good for future cutters to know. :)
Kurt S
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Kelley W King

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2019, 02:35:45 PM »
In reference to the exploding batterys, all acid batterys emid explosive gas when charging. When in a confined space a spark will cause them to go boom. We have problems with generators with built in trickle chargers that explode when the automatic start kicks in. I could see one in a case doing that.
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Sauron327

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2019, 04:05:49 PM »
The car is not here now. I worked on a '67 and the battery was not much larger than a bike battery, but made for a car.

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #9 on: April 16, 2019, 08:49:35 PM »
In reference to the exploding batterys, all acid batterys emid explosive gas when charging. When in a confined space a spark will cause them to go boom. We have problems with generators with built in trickle chargers that explode when the automatic start kicks in. I could see one in a case doing that.
Never planned to use a acid battery in this instance but good info for all to know.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
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R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #10 on: April 16, 2019, 09:13:42 PM »
Chick,
What is the max size of the bottom opening? Would be good for future cutters to know. :)
Kurt, the battery outside dimensions are 6 9/16" X 8 11/16" with roughly a 1/4" wall thickness. I would estimate with keeping some of the bottom intact wider than the walls thickness for strength an opening of 5 1/2" X 6 7/8. Cable attachment to the top post compared to Skip's Y77 side post might be more difficult but we will see and will follow this thru to completion.
Gary asked "So what is your maximum dimensions for your battery??  and do you have any possibilities other than motorcycle or tractor batteries??"
After a lot of reviewing the Miata batteries IMO have too much height and most have limited CCA. Skip in his Y77 and another friends Y77 used MX30L Cycle battery that has a huge 600 CCA and size is 5 3/16 wide X 6 5/8 long X 6 7/8" height.
What I have purchased last evening is the next level down MX20L which has 500 CCA but the size is a better 3 7/16" wide X 6 7/8" long X 6 1/8 height. Note what I liked was the more narrower battery for attaching to the top post (cable room), and 3/4" less height, again due to the top post.
Example of the MX20L- https://www.ebay.com/itm/ThrottleX-Batteries-MX20L-500-CCA-Replacement-Power-Sport-Battery/132566019895?hash=item1edd8cef37:g:ZFAAAOSw0TpcmwQA
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

ZLP955

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #11 on: April 16, 2019, 10:07:10 PM »
I recall an NCRS article about this process. It was probably close to 10 years ago, so as battery technology evolves quickly, whatever was available then to go inside is likely irrelevant today. But I think it was a gel battery, possibly Odyssey or Braille brand.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
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BillG

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2019, 01:07:08 AM »
This might be frowned upon but, I'm just thinking out loud.  What if a repro battery tray was used, and the bottom cut out to make more height for what ever battery is found to fit inside?
Bill Garrett

KurtS

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2019, 06:05:44 AM »
I was thinking the same thing, but it would involve some work to add the support in the tray at the lower height.

And it for those that haven't seen this, here is a R59 being updated. Note that he cut the top off instead of the bottom. Most people say they cut the bottom. https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=148133
Kurt S
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TODD

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2019, 12:07:24 PM »
It would be nice to fit one of the new Lithium Batteries pretty pricey, but they do last.
Like the Lithium Products C680 at Summit;https://www.summitracing.com/parts/lpp-c680
Length (in): 7.170 in. Width (in):3.030 in.Height (in):6.610 in.

Todd

dannystarr

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #15 on: April 19, 2019, 09:23:09 PM »
Chick,
 Sitting at home with my back out with heating pad and 800 MG Ibu! Catching up on computer stuff.
 Here is that same battery at Amazon.. Looks like about 5 bucks more. But good to know thay carry it.
 https://www.amazon.com/MX20L-MOTORCYCLE-BATTERY-500-CCA/dp/B01E49MQZ4/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=ThrottleX+Batteries+-+MX20L&qid=1555708713&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #16 on: April 19, 2019, 11:04:31 PM »
The battery has arrived and after a little clean up it fits easily within case. More info and picks to follow.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
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R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

Edgemontvillage

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #17 on: May 09, 2019, 03:18:47 PM »
The battery has arrived and after a little clean up it fits easily within case. More info and picks to follow.

Chick - looking forward to your next update!

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #18 on: May 13, 2019, 12:01:10 AM »
The battery has arrived and after a little clean up it fits easily within case. More info and picks to follow.

Chick - looking forward to your next update!
Have it done and worked great but having issues with my flickr account so hang on but its coming.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #19 on: May 14, 2019, 03:48:18 AM »
Purchased a MX-20L with advertised 500+ CCA as its smaller width (overall size) seemed to be a good fit. Note in the picture that since the Y55 battery had reverse polarity the to be installed MX-20L negative and positive terminals line up perfectly.

Time was spent cleaning out the case at different spots enabling the donor battery to ease in place with a little wiggle room. Also had to remove some debris from the bottom of the Y55 post so fastening a cable would have a nice surface for contact. Since I wanted to drill a pilot hole for the metal screws to be used the depth became an issue but quickly remembered some of my Dewalt tooling which made the drill operation simple.


Purchased battery cables at Ace Hardware for a garden tractor and they are 16” long. The next smallest length was 12” and was concerned that might be too short to adequately work with. I now realize the 12” cables will work but the extra length assisted easy hook ups and with the MX-20L being narrow in width it allows lots of room for the cable length.


Here you can see the top of the donor batter inside the Y55 case.

Placed the battery tender on and it was good to shortly thereafter. Note: I did have to cut the plastic shaft off the Delco Eye plug as you might have already assumed.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

69Z28-RS

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #20 on: May 14, 2019, 01:03:32 PM »
It looks good Chick!!   Will it start your car?

Are you doing anything to seal the smaller battery inside the larger case? or leaving them 'separable'??
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68camaroz28

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #21 on: May 14, 2019, 03:36:24 PM »
It looks good Chick!!   Will it start your car?

Are you doing anything to seal the smaller battery inside the larger case? or leaving them 'separable'??
Good questions Gary! Did not start the car yet but know two people with similar battery and theirs works fine. The repro R59's and the original Y55 only had around 350 CCA give or take a little if I remember correctly.
On sealing, I'm planning on letting the battery loose per se but its not really as the length of cables between the donor battery and inside wall of the Y55 act as a restraint for donor battery movement. In fact there is hardly any movement. The other advantage of the Motorcycle battery is just that, its sealed, leak proof, and also advertised for vibration. Guess it makes sense for what its used for, motorcycles. If anything changes I will communicate.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #22 on: August 24, 2019, 02:29:19 PM »
I am getting ready to do something similar with my R89S battery.

Although pricey, I plan to use a Braille battery.  Not fumes at all.  More CCA available.

Started a thread here:  https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=151420

Got the acid drained and completely neutralized last night.  My garage is such a huge mess right now, so I need to clean it up a bit, but will document this procedure.

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #23 on: November 10, 2019, 06:13:04 AM »
Went ahead and gutted it. Followed the procedure posted by Chick. Only thing I didn't do was protect the top as well as he did so I ended up with a few scratches. But then probably pretty normal for a batter that is probably 40 years old.

I drilled through the 3/8 threade holes for the side posts and just threaded them all the way through. I used 00 cables (probably overkill, but I will never have to worry about them not carrying the amperage. Used very short 3/8 standard thread bolts to attach the cables on the inside. Made sure they would not interfere with the outside bolts from the side post cables.

Used a Braille racing lightweight AGM and just mounted it upside down. It is way more powerful than the original battery. I have the exact same battery in my 69 Opel GT, and it doesn't lose a charge even when sitting for a month at a time without a tender. I had read that they do not stay charged well when not driven regularly, but that has not been my experience.

After shooting these pics, and before attaching a bottom plate made from polycarbonate, I stuffed some more hard closed cell flexible foam in all the nooks and crannies, just so it wouldn't rattle around.

I glued some paint sticks together to make sure the battery stayed in place, then attached the bottom plat with epoxy.

Pretty pleased with the results. And it sure is easier to put in and out because it is much lighter.


lynnbilodeau

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #24 on: November 10, 2019, 06:16:06 AM »
Here are the pics.

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #25 on: November 10, 2019, 04:22:40 PM »
I had to cut my Delco Eye tube off.

I can't remember.  When the battery was fully charged did the eye show a green tint?

Because the bottome of the Braille battery (which is now on top, since I mounted upside down) is white, my Delco Eye shows white.  Would be really easy to pull it up and but a dab of green paint under it.

169INDY

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #26 on: November 10, 2019, 06:08:41 PM »
Electrolyte level indication. Delco Eye. Keep those plates submerged!
Back in the day, I could get distilled & de-ionized make up battery water to top my old school bats off.

Jim
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Mike S

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #27 on: November 10, 2019, 08:28:56 PM »
 The Delco eye is dark when with a charged battery. It will lighten when the acid level is low.
At least that is how it is with my NOS R59 I am using.

Mike
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dannystarr

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #28 on: November 11, 2019, 04:17:44 AM »
All looks good guys.
 I was taught that the Delco Eye had nothing to do with the battery being charged or not. And it's only purpose was to show fluid level. If the fluid is low, and it doesn't stay green... that doesn't mean the battery is not fully charged. It just means the level is low. Not saying this info is correct. But when you look at the directions, and the purpose of the eye in a battery, it specifically says what I stated above. Who knows???..  Danny

camaronut

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Re: Gutting Original Y55
« Reply #29 on: November 17, 2019, 01:03:25 AM »
Looks good....but I have a suggestion.....even though you have that wood keeping that battery up inside, I'd somehow shield / insulate those battery terminals.....REAL WELL!!!

I'd hate to see those terminals contact the battery tray if it inadvertently slid downward....wouldn't be pretty.

Not trying to be a smart-ass.....just saying.  Better to be safe than sorry....