Homebuilt battery box pics? - Page 2

Ultrasport12 · 09-03-2012, 12:00 AM

rockbender,

I remember that tray you did a great job on that and many other things on your van...havent seen you in a while...still have the van?

...Jamie

86Scotty · 09-03-2012, 07:12 AM

Rock bender, that's the closest I've seen to what I want to build. I'm not sure I can cut the channel for the sliding mechanism but that is sweet!

dhally · 09-03-2012, 10:08 AM

I got some titaniuim pilot point drill bits and they will drill through just about anything without a pilot drill. Better be holding on though! May need a right angle drillmotor to do the job.

Ford recommends only drilliing holes above the center of the frame channel. My builder ignored that advice.

86Scotty · 09-03-2012, 07:40 PM

Here's what I came up with today, not perfect but I need to get this done! Don't look at my lousy welding, if this thing were visible I would have spent more time making it prettier.

Paint tomorrow and find some hardware. Should I use stainless only?
The only problem I realized is that since I have a 2wd I will have to drive the van up on blocks to get a floor jack with the batteries and tray under the van.
This will be an absolute PIA if I ever have trouble with it on the road!

dhally · 09-03-2012, 10:55 PM

Galvanized hardware will work fine. SST tends to gall which could make it difficult to remove... I would recommend Big bolts, like 4 ea. 1/2".

rockbender · 09-03-2012, 11:45 PM

Hey - nice looking frame!
I agree to skip the SS bolts... seems like such a good idea in theory but they really are a pain to deal with.

Jamie - the Dookie van is still alive and kicking! I still lurk here plenty, just haven't been posting as much. I am certainly enjoying keeping up with everyone else's projects and trips.

Ultrasport12 · 09-04-2012, 12:27 AM

Stainless bolts are not needed or as strong for the battery tray. But I would use grade 8.

I love SS hardware but its not for everything and it is fussy. You always need to use never sieze to prevent galling as dhally stated.

rockbender I am glad you and Dookie are still around.

...Jamie

86Scotty · 09-04-2012, 04:34 AM

Thx guys!

hickman · 09-04-2012, 11:30 PM

Some very nice boxes. We just started manufacturing thru floor DIY boxes for 6 volt and 12 volt as well as 4 D AGM. The pics are on the work comp but there are powder coated boxes with flanges and flush tops. You can install them where the spare tire would be.

Gnarvan · 09-05-2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hickman

Some very nice boxes. We just started manufacturing thru floor DIY boxes for 6 volt and 12 volt as well as 4 D AGM. The pics are on the work comp but there are powder coated boxes with flanges and flush tops. You can install them where the spare tire would be.

Do you have any more information on these boxes? Pictures? Are they available for purchase?