In October 2019, Mopar Connection presented battery toppers in the “New Products” section. The toppers are designed to fit a group 24 or 27 battery, and once installed, provide a vintage look while allowing the use of a late-model battery. We have a restored ’75 Dart with a modern battery that looks out of place. Wanting a stock appearance, we contacted YearOne for a green cap reproduction style cover (part no. MBC24GRN – also available in red or yellow). We also picked up a matching battery decal from Dodge Connection.

Above Left: The YearOne reproduction style cover (battery topper) provides the appearance of an older Mopar battery. We selected the green cap cover (part no. MBC24GRN). Above Center: The topper has the proper part numbers and the Chrysler and Mopar symbols, just like the original batteries. The battery topper can be ordered for a group 24 or 27 sized battery. Above Right: The battery topper includes the proper colored caps. We selected green caps, but there are red or yellow cap battery covers. Mopar installed all three colors based upon the model and amperage requirements. YearOne provides a chart for reference.

Above Left: The restored Dart’s engine bay looks stock for 1975, apart from the modern battery. The battery meets the needs of the starting and charging systems, but it seems out of place in the engine bay. Above Center: To install the battery topper, we had to loosen the battery hold-down J-bolts and remove the hold-down assembly. The battery cables were removed (negative first). Above Right: We took the time to remove the battery stickers, which included the manufacturer’s information and the date code data. Keep the decals for proof of the battery’s age. (if pro-rating of the battery becomes necessary).

To install the reproduction style cover, we disconnected both battery cables (remove the negative cable first). The battery hold-down J-bolts were un-threaded, and the battery hold-down assembly was removed. The stickers from our AutoCraft battery were peeled off to unclutter the black battery housing. Because our battery was a flat top (recessed maintenance caps), we dropped the YearOne topper onto our group 24 battery, which left only the battery terminals exposed.

If the battery had been equipped with protruding maintenance caps, YearOne sells terminal extenders for the battery terminals. With the topper in place, we had to spread the 90° hold-down supports slightly to fit properly. Once broadened, the hold-down was slipped on, and the J-bolts were secured. We reconnected the positive cable, followed by the negative cable.

Above Left: The battery topper dropped over the terminals and laid flat on the top of the battery. Our battery had recessed maintenance caps. If the battery did not have recessed caps, YearOne provides terminal extenders to account for the additional space for the height of the maintenance caps. Above Center: The battery topper fits nicely but required a minor adjustment of the battery hold-down (a slight bending of each 90° portion of the hold-down). The battery cables were reattached (negative last), and even with the topper in place, there was proper clamping of each cable terminal end onto each terminal. Above Right: Dodge Connection provided us with a battery decal that matched the color of the topper’s caps. Although the original factory batteries had all the pertinent battery information molded into the case, this sticker does an excellent job of representing the battery.

Above Left: We placed the decal on the same side of the battery, where the factory would have molded the battery information. Above Center: The battery topper and the decal look very similar to the original factory battery from 1975. The rigid plastic topper does not flex or bend, and it sits firmly over the top of the battery. Above Right: The terminal cable ends fit onto the battery terminals. While the cable ends were attached about 1/8-inch higher up on the battery terminal, we were able to secure each cable end without difficulty.

Below: The good ole’ mid-1970s Mopars were everything is seemingly vacuum controlled. In our case, all the components are original and fully functional. Adding the YearOne battery topper and the Dodge Connection decal to the battery completes the look of the engine bay.

While pleased with the topper, the battery looked bare. Luckily, we found an “Original Equipment” reproduction sticker from Dodge Connection. After installing the decal, the battery’s appearance was perfect.

Although nothing replaces the real thing, this topper is about 1/5th the cost of a reproduction battery. Only a discerning eye will spot the difference. If you are interested in one of these battery toppers, check out the possibilities at YearOne. To add to the battery’s appearance, click through the stickers obtainable at Dodge Connection.

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