Topic: 1965 Battery, Tray and Clamp

[suskeenwiske]

I'm having a bit of a problem trying to sort out what the correct Battery Hold Down Clamp should be for my car. I currently don't have one and since NOS Clamps are available but also expensive, I want to be sure to purchase the correct one the first time around.

I have a 1965 Dearborn Coupe, 6-Cylinder with factory A/C and a Group 24 Battery...Scheduled Build Date January 23, 1965.

The Ford Parts Manual shows that the Tray, C5ZZ-10732-C, is for the 40, 45, 55 and 65Amp Hours Batteries; I'm assuming that the 40 and 45 are Group 22 and the others Group 24.

There are two Part #'s for the Clamp, C2DZ-10718-A for the 40 and 45Amp Hour Batteries and C5DZ-10718-A for the 55 and 65Amp Hours Batteries. Assuming that I'm correct about the Group Numbers, I should be using Clamp C5DZ-10718-A. Have I assumed correctly?

Thanks

Ray

[jwc66k]

Ray,
By now I would have assumed you would have gotten a set of 65 Mustang Assembly Manuals. All the answers are there, the service numbers are not as the item were from the factor, they are for what works, and there in lies the problem we all have - what service numbers are direct (almost exact I hope) replacements.
First, there is only one battery tray for 64-66 Mustangs. Second, there are two clamps, one for the standard battery - it's the large clamp, and one for the large battery - the small one. Third, there are two stud plate retainers, a long one for the small battery, a short one for the large battery (the nuts should be the same but "variations" appear after 50 years). Fifth, there are two batteries, a group 24, the small one, and a group 27, the large one. Do not be concerned with cranking amperages as there is one small battery, and one large battery being reproduced. The original different rates were for "cheap" and "expensive" batteries in the two different sizes. You may find that current reproduction batteries are of the gel type, and more expensive.
The numbers: (the service numbers "may" appear on NOS labels for these items)
Tray - C5ZB-10572 - Service - C5ZZ-10732-C
Clamp, large - C2DB-10718-B - Service - C2DZ-10718-A
Clamp, small - C5GB-10718-A - Service - C5DZ-10718-A
Bolt, long - 380582-S2 - Service (don't bother)
Bolt, short - 379924-S2 - Service (don't bother)
To be truthful, with the price and lifespan of current aftermarket replacement batteries, and their lack of the ends retaining protrusion for standard installation, I use the aftermarket bolt-in bottom bracket, 2 ea 67 style long J-hook bolts, a 67 style top bar and two wing nuts for daily use, plus a battery mat, all of which are easily removed for shows. The show battery is on a trickle charger. (I have more than one 65-66 Mustang.) One more thing in the list of stuff to be aware of, the batteries have a "F" after the number, 24F and 27F, which indicates where the positive terminal is located.
Jim

[suskeenwiske]

As soon as I find my Assembly Manuals, recently moved, I'll see what I can find. In the meantime, I stated the Amperage's only because that is how they're listed in Fords Parts Manual. It lists just one Tray, so that wasn't an issue; which Clamp was more of an issue because the Manual does not list Group #'s.

My Group 24F Battery takes up the whole Tray so I'm assuming it uses the smaller Clamp that, in the Manual, is listed as C5DZ-10718A. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't assuming incorrectly or missing some information.

Out of curiosity, did pre-1967 Mustangs have the Group 27F available? I've never seen one and since it's around an 1-1/2" longer than the Group 24F, how did it fit?

Thanks

Ray

[carlite65]

only 22's & 24's available for 65's. no repo 22's currently available.

[suskeenwiske]

Thanks...smaller Clamp it is.

Ray

[Bob Gaines]

Ray,
By now I would have assumed you would have gotten a set of 65 Mustang Assembly Manuals. All the answers are there, the service numbers are not as the item were from the factor, they are for what works, and there in lies the problem we all have - what service numbers are direct (almost exact I hope) replacements.
First, there is only one battery tray for 64-66 Mustangs. Second, there are two clamps, one for the standard battery - it's the large clamp, and one for the large battery - the small one. Third, there are two stud plate retainers, a long one for the small battery, a short one for the large battery (the nuts should be the same but "variations" appear after 50 years). Fifth, there are two batteries, a group 24, the small one, and a group 27, the large one. Do not be concerned with cranking amperages as there is one small battery, and one large battery being reproduced. The original different rates were for "cheap" and "expensive" batteries in the two different sizes. You may find that current reproduction batteries are of the gel type, and more expensive.
The numbers: (the service numbers "may" appear on NOS labels for these items)
Tray - C5ZB-10572 - Service - C5ZZ-10732-C
Clamp, large - C2DB-10718-B - Service - C2DZ-10718-A
Clamp, small - C5GB-10718-A - Service - C5DZ-10718-A
Bolt, long - 380582-S2 - Service (don't bother)
Bolt, short - 379924-S2 - Service (don't bother)
To be truthful, with the price and lifespan of current aftermarket replacement batteries, and their lack of the ends retaining protrusion for standard installation, I use the aftermarket bolt-in bottom bracket, 2 ea 67 style long J-hook bolts, a 67 style top bar and two wing nuts for daily use, plus a battery mat, all of which are easily removed for shows. The show battery is on a trickle charger. (I have more than one 65-66 Mustang.) One more thing in the list of stuff to be aware of, the batteries have a "F" after the number, 24F and 27F, which indicates where the positive terminal is located.
Jim

For 64.5-68 the group 22 and the group 24.  The group 27 was introduced in 69 production . It is easy to get them all confused. You do such a exceptional job with all the other info you are allowed a typo ever once in a while. The group 27 is so big it required its own unique battery tray in 69.

[rockhouse66]

You are in luck because a correct style Gr. 24 battery clamp is now available in reproduction.  With the bent "tab".  Six months ago, it would have been either a wrong clamp or a $100 NOS one.

[rodster]

Ray,
By now.........


...... terminal is located.
Jim

Wow, great info, thanks for sharing. And thanks Bob for the battery correction and info.

[suskeenwiske]

You are in luck because a correct style Gr. 24 battery clamp is now available in reproduction.  With the bent "tab".  Six months ago, it would have been either a wrong clamp or a $100 NOS one.

I've seen one with the Tab, the Service Part was C2DZ-10718-B but have seen it without the Tab as well. Is either one acceptable?

Thanks

Ray

[jwc66k]

I've seen one with the Tab, the Service Part was C2DZ-10718-B but have seen it without the Tab as well. Is either one acceptable?

I forgot about the tab. I inherited a box of Mustang parts that had a long battery retainer with a tab. Off hand looking at the well defined stamped bends (and rust) it appears to be an original or early NOS. Material thickness varies from 0.063 to 0.068 where my calipers can reach.
Jim

[jwc66k]

For 64.5-68 the group 22 and the group 24.  The group 27 was introduced in 69 production .

Yup, you're correct, 22 and 24. Both cars in the garage have 24F batteries. I got 27 on the mind.
Jim

[NEFaurora]

To exactly What "tab" are you referring to??!???

I have both NOS, SERVICE and Repro Battery Hold Down Plates... Curious as to these difference you are talking about.

Please show some pics to explain... Thanks...

)

Tony K.

[rockhouse66]

Clamp picture and description here;

http://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-66-Mustang-Short-Battery-Holddown-Clamp-Exact-Style-with-tab-P482335.aspx

[carlite65]

I've seen one with the Tab, the Service Part was C2DZ-10718-B but have seen it without the Tab as well. Is either one acceptable?

Thanks

the centering tab is required for mca judging.

Ray

[lancelot66]

I ran into this issue (again) over the weekend and had to replace my leaking GRP 24F Battery. I bought one of Virginia's short concours clamps probably that first week they were available. I ran all over the local area at that time, looking for a battery that had the extruded lower lip to use for under the clamp. I went to Sears, Costco, O'Reilly's, Napa and finally found one at Home Depo (Exide - 24F). They still have them and I was luck enough to get the last one on the rack. It not only has the lip in the correct location, black case, flat top (yes, I admit to using the Autolite Battery Top) but the lip has the semi circular "notch" dead center for the tab in the clamp. Fits absolutely perfectly.
*Please note I'm not endorsing the use of the Faux Battery Tops,  Exide Batteries and Home Depot necessarily....just what worked for ours...hopefully, no more leaks for awhile.