Battery change in Dedra Turbo

[Harvey]

My Dedra's been stood too long and the battery wouldn't power a quartz watch now. The car's not that close to home (see previous posts!) so I went with my toolkits last night and attempted to remove the battery. Much swearing resulted. Who on earth though it was a good idea to obstruct access to the holding clip by putting all those hoses in the way?!

Is there an easy way for a mechanical novice to remove and refit a battery?

Failing that, anybody know a good mobile battery-fitting service in the Bath area? 

[Neil]

Harvey, is that difficult?  You need a Beta coupe, I changed the battery last week in 2 mins, including tightening the terminal connections!

[Harvey]

I remember commenting to someone recently that I'd failed to remove the battery before (charged it in situ instead in the end) and it was "slightly awkward" to get to. The immediate response was "Dedra turbo?" so I guess they're not unknown for being a pain.
What I really need is a crash course in mechanical engineering and auto-electrical engineering.
And a decent tool kit!

[Scarpia]

I think you approached it all wrong Harvey.
You clearly tried to remove the battery from the car when you should in fact remove the car from the battery. Its just a question of attaining a zen state of mind.

[fay66]

Hi Harvey
What you need is a 3/8" long extension, universal joint, Ratchet, & an extending magnet. Easy  as for the hoses, they had to go somewhere!

Brian
8227
 

[Harvey]

Scarpia, I'm totally with you on that one. Unfortunately, after an hour of meditation, I still had not become one with the car, and the battery remained stubbornly in place.

Brian, knew you'd be here within 24 hrs! 

[inthedark]

I was 'ere as well but couldn't be bothered to answer.
'the colonel'