Abstract: A battery mounting system includes a bracket mounted to the automobile frame, a battery tray mounted to the bracket, and a battery retention assembly comprising a formed rod spanning the battery and attaching to the bracket, and a top mount molding adapted to distribute the retention force over the upper surface of the battery. The top mount molding has a substantially flat lower surface for contacting the battery, with a cut-out portion for receiving the caps of the battery cells, and an arcuate upper surface with a center receptacle for receiving the spanning rod. The receptacle is formed by a peripheral wall having opposing slots for directing the rod; the wall also has indexing slots for adapting the mounting system to more than one battery height. The molding also includes laterally extending ears at the surface of the battery for centering the molding between upstanding battery posts.