Battery tray bracket missing

32sbct · Post by **32sbct** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:35 am

So, the battery tray that is welded to the passenger side frame rail is missing from my M38 jeep. It looks like it, along with the voltage regulator bracket were broken off or removed years ago. This does not seem to be a part that anyone makes or sells. Any ideas on this one. I'm going 12 volt so I guess if worse comes to worse I could place the battery in the cowl box but that box looks pretty narrow for a normal 12 volt battery. Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

32sbct · Post by **32sbct** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:10 pm

sorry posted in wrong forum by mistake

32sbct · Post by **32sbct** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:50 am

Mods, thanks for moving my post to the right forum.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:08 am

Since originality is not a primary goal here the solution is not that tough. Find a scrapped frame and purchase the battery tray and weld the tray to your frame. The M38 underhood tray is shorter than the CJ trays. But you can shorten a CJ tray to clear the M38 fender. If you don't need the voltage regulator support then I would not put one on. They just get in the way.

I have 6 photos on page 10 of my photo album that address the tray.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... hp&page=10

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:52 am

Personally, I'd use the cowl box for the battery. Saves having to find and weld in another tray but a big advantage will be that access to the right side of the engine will be a much better without the battery tray in the way. Engine mounts, generator and starter, timing marks, distributor, coolant drain - all will be right at hand without that tray. 12v batteries are available that will fit the cowl box. If you aren't going for an original appearance in the engine compartment, no need for the battery tray there.