I just finished taking her to the dealership for her 50,000 maintenance check and the dealer told me I need a battery hold down. Its some metal holder that holds down the battery so it does not move around. They said it runs about $40. Do I really need it or is it not that big of a deal?

 

well if the battery jolts too hard it can damage the cells internally, or damage something inside... it's something i'd consider... but the real question is why don't you have one already? i think it's pretty standard since the Model T came out..... yeah?

 

Was Model T hand cranked or battery started?

 

Save some bucks and check the local salvage yard.
Or buy a short bungee cord

 

Look at #2, it's just a bar across the top of the battery. The hooks (#3 & 4) simply hook into sheetmetal tabs with holes. I've seen generic battery hold-downs at AutoZone-type places for a couple bucks.



Even the genuine thing doesn't cost much - check the link...
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...TTERY+%28L4%29