While adding Air Conditioning I was looking at all the A/C hoses, heater hoses and expansion tank it seemed to me that trying to remove the battery at later date would require draining, disconnecting and/or remove lots of STUFF. It also looked like just trying to get jumper cable on would be a pain. Some say it could be done but I decide to relocate the battery from the passenger’s side to driver’s side. Using the Assemble Instruction Manual (AIM) an readily available parts the relocate was straight forward. The parts are the same as original Vettes 327 with A/C or L78 (396) option with or without A/C. I got my parts (list below) from Corvette Central  and Cables from Eckler's but other vendors also can supply.

This was done on a 1965 Vette so adjust for other years.

I took a few pic’s as I did the relocate and did a brief write-up.

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• Safety first: Use all the normal precautions: Safety Glasses, Breathing Mask, Vehicle secure lifted, etc.

•  Lift and secure left of vehicle and remove left front tire.

• Remove two (2) lower existing bolts.

• Bolt on filler panel and use a template and scribe a line around.

• Remove filler plate and cover scribed line with masking tape. ** You may want to clean area to be removed, I didn’t but I think masking tape would have stuck better if I had.

• Bolt on filler panel again and draw line on masking tape which will be much easier to see then the original scribe marks.

• Add additional tape to get at least 2” wide toward the center of the marks.

• Referencing your AIM (C60 B2) to get recommended measurements and draw new line base upon these. I added a little (~1/4 inch) to each to each because you can always remove more but can’t add back.

•  NOTE: Measure twice and cut once. Recheck and Recheck.

•  Cut out on this new (INSIDE) line using whatever means you are familiar with. I used a tool call RotoZip which I’ve had for years as it is great for wallboard.

• My cut was not smooth so I use a rasp/file to clean up.

• Bolt filler panel in and tighten to be sure panel is in it final place.

• Drill through the six(6) Tee Nut with a small drill bit. ** Make sure your panel is pushed in tight.

• Remove panel and using a larger bit re-drilling all holes.

• Now your ready to install the battery tray.

• I ran a tap (5/16 18) in existing holes in the frame.  ** I only use four (4) of the six (6) holes as the two (2) lower on the outside of the frame were not easy accessible but four (4) should be plenty. ** If you remove original tray you can use those bolts.

• That’s it other the Battery Cables. You will need new ones for 327 w/air or 396. The routing can be found in the AIM C60 E2.

• I applied a little touch up paint (Black) on the edges of the cut fiberglass so it isn't as noticeable.

• My windshield washer does not work and that is a project for another time so you will have to find BAG and it's bracket if you need washer now.

Parts from Corvette Central

Qty:             1

Item:           172053

Description:   AC&65 396 BATTERY TRAY-LEFT

Qty:             1

Item:           172205

Description:   AC/396 BATTERY ACCESS COVER

Qty:             1

Item:           312023

Description:   AC/396 BAT ACCESS CVR GSKT

Qty:             1

Item:           172059

Description:   AC/65 396 BATTERY H/DOWN

Qty:             1

Item:           172057

Description:   BATTERY HOLD DOWN BOLT-396/AC

Qty:             1

Item:           172002

Description:   AC BATTERY ACCESS PANEL BOLT

Cables from Eckler’s

Qty:            1
Item:           25372
Description:   Spring Ring Battery Cables, AC/396