Battery access with Hardtop

[Bolsom]

I am getting a hardtop in July and assume that getting at the battery would entail lifting the hardtop. I therefore deceided to put a battery isolation switch behind the drivers seat . I have had the battery go flat a few times when the car hasn't been used for 4+ weeks.
Discussing this with the mechanic he came up with the idea of putting
two capped terminals next to the isolator switch to enable the battery
to be charged remotely. You isolate the battery and can then recharge it safely. I apologise if this has already been suggested.

Colin

[Candles]

Many people have a small plug wired via a fuse to the battery poking out somewhere behind the seats. This enables you to hook the car up to a 'battery optimiser' easily to keep your battery fully charged during your 4+ week lay offs. This way, you keep your radio codes , ECU memory etc etc.

I got an 'OptiMate' from eBay for about £30 and my car stayed on it all winter.

Candles.

[John_W]

Don't know if you can remove the battery with the hard top in situ or not, but as Candles says just run a twin wire to the battery terminals and put a plug on it compatible with your battery conditioner (I drilled a hole through the bulkhead in an unobtrusive place and put an inline fuse in the + wire). No need for an isolator switch unless you want it for security or some other reason.

My battery has lasted six winters by connecting the conditioner to a plug between the seats, and is always ready to start.

John

[Sy V]

:agree:
Don't know if you can remove the battery with the hard top in situ or not...

John

Impossible if the hood and battery compartment cover are still in situ, and very difficult even with the hood removed.

Agreed, loads of us have remote charging wires of some description.