Oh Sh*t - My Battery has just exploded

[Stv]

and it was still connected in the car.

Went to turn it over this morning and heard an almighty bang when the starter motor engaged. Dived out and found electrolyte dripping from the battery tray. Hauled the thing out and found 2 massive holes ripped in the casing. This has been caused by using a cheap battery monitor for the last couple of months. Optimate is on its way.

So guys I need help in finding a replacement. US Automotive has an AC Delco item in stock - but its 11" long - A 97 GTS Tray will accept up to 10 1/4" - height and width are the same as the original Mopar.US Auto have a replacement listed for every year except 97. Has anyone replaced their battery ?

I'm off to put jeans and underwear in the washing and pop a couple of prozac.

Stv

[vprman]

Is that what I heard, dam it was loud, hope there isn't any lasting damage to you, the car, or your underwear.
I'll pop across on Wed. but give you a phone first
Colin

[Viper]

grand cherokee jeep battery ? maybe

someone replaced there battery (Graham ?) a while back buying from Chrylser, was around the same price as US Automotive and on the shelf

[vetteheadracer]

Try OCW

tel [phone]

Got a ZR1 battery for a mate last week and did me a new LT4 Corvette battery last year, they do a next day delivery service!

[viper_larry]

Indeed - mine died in a much quieter way last year. Bought an Optimate after that! Bet the bang was a bit scary!

Bought mine through local Chrylser dealer @ £111 fitted, inc. VAT - although had to show them where the battery was and how to open the boot!

See previous thread for more details - www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=29400&f=76&h=0&hw=battery

[V1PER]

Got mine from USAUTOMOTIVE fitted fine with no probs and it had the right terminals on it as well...

[Phil E]

Steve I recently changed my battery and sourced through Frosts in Shoreham by the Sea. Cost £65 they couriered to my home.

[Stv]

Thanks to all. Got one - surprise, surprise from local Chrysler dealer at £73. Ordered up and it arrived the next day. Had a bit of nerves connecting it up as was'nt sure if the big bang had affected the electronics in any way. In the end it connected and started up ok though will have to take it on a learning run. Moral here is to get the correct battery monotor / charger as my original cheap one had boiled the electrolyte dry.

[vprman]

Great news, glad car is all better again. I saw the silver RT at that garage, sitting outside in view of everyboby.
Three Vipers in one night, in Scotland, can't say that very often.
Colin